As captured February 7, 2025

14 files changed, 37477 insertions, 19152 deletions

diff --git a/55000-0.txt b/55000-0.txt
index c30fc2d..3e4b421 100644
--- a/55000-0.txt
+++ b/55000-0.txt
@@ -1,8561 +1,8157 @@
-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mark Manning's Mission, by Horatio Alger Jr.

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with

-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or

-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included

-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license

-

-

-Title: Mark Manning's Mission

-       The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy

-

-Author: Horatio Alger Jr.

-

-Illustrator: J. (John) Watson Davis

-

-Release Date: June 28, 2017 [EBook #55000]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING'S MISSION ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen; cover found

-at http://www.horatioalgersociety.net; and the Online

-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This

-file was produced from images generously made available

-by The Internet Archive)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: "There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left,"

-said the hermit, as he counted the pieces of gold.]

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-                         MARK MANNING'S MISSION

-

-       ---------------------------------------------------------

-

-                    The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy

-

-       ---------------------------------------------------------

-

-                         By HORATIO ALGER, JR.

-

-             Author of "Mark Mason's Victory," "Ben Bruce,"

-            "Bernard Brook's Adventures," "A Debt of Honor,"

-                               etc., etc.

-

-                    [Illustration: Publisher's Logo]

-

-            With Five Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis

-

-

-       ---------------------------------------------------------

-

-                          A. L. BURT COMPANY,

-                          PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             COPYRIGHT 1905

-                         BY A. L. BURT COMPANY

-

-                               ----------

-

-                         MARK MANNING'S MISSION

-                         By Horatio Alger, Jr.

-

-

-

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                                CONTENTS

-

-                                -------

-

-             CHAPTER

-                  I. Three Young Hunters

-                 II. The Hermit's Cabin

-                III. A Timely Rescue

-                 IV. The Hermit Explains

-                  V. Lyman Taylor Makes a New Acquaintance

-                 VI. A Tragedy in the Pasture

-                VII. Mark at Home

-               VIII. Deacon Miller Gets a Clue

-                 IX. The Deacon's Mission

-                  X. Mark Protects a Friend

-                 XI. Mark is Discharged

-                XII. Good Luck After Misfortune

-               XIII. The Little Man in Black

-                XIV. An Important Proposal

-                 XV. The Hermit's Bank

-                XVI. Lyman Taylor Gains some Information

-               XVII. On the Trail of Gold

-              XVIII. Lyman's Disappointment

-                XIX. The Hermit Receives a Call

-                 XX. How Lyman Succeeded

-                XXI. All Aboard for New York

-               XXII. In an Office on Broadway

-              XXIII. Mark's Mission

-               XXIV. What Mark Discovered

-                XXV. The Little Match Boy

-               XXVI. Luck Favors Lyman

-              XXVII. Old Peggy

-             XXVIII. Lyman's Plan

-               XXIX. Mark Receives a Telegram

-                XXX. Mark Makes Arrangements with Jack

-               XXXI. Jack Talks in his Sleep

-              XXXII. Jack is Pursued

-             XXXIII. Mark Eludes his Pursuers

-              XXXIV. Mrs. Manning's House is Sold

-               XXXV. Notice to Quit

-              XXXVI. The Hermit Secures a House

-             XXXVII. Conclusion

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                        MARK MANNING'S MISSION.

-

-                               ----------

-

-

-                               CHAPTER I.

-                          THREE YOUNG HUNTERS.

-

-

-TWO boys, with guns on their shoulders, were crossing a meadow towards

-the Pecasset woods. These were situated about a mile from the village,

-and were quite extensive. The two boys were James Collins and Tom Wyman,

-the first, the son of a large shoe manufacturer, the other the son of

-the village postmaster. They were about of a size, and had the

-appearance of being sixteen years of age. They were very intimate, the

-second being a satellite of the first, who in right of his father's

-wealth considered himself the first boy in Pecasset. Tom flattered his

-vanity by acknowledging his pretensions, and this gave him his position

-of favorite with the young aristocrat.

-

-"I should like to be a hunter," said Tom, as they walked along.

-

-"A fine hunter you'd be," said James, in a tone by no means

-complimentary, for he didn't feel it necessary to flatter his humble

-companion. "You never hit anything, you know."

-

-"Come, James, that's a little too strong," said Tom, in a tone of

-annoyance. "I don't pretend to be as good a shot as you are, but still I

-have hit a bird before now."

-

-"When it was perched on a fence, eh?"

-

-"No, on the wing."

-

-"Who saw you do it?"

-

-"I was alone."

-

-"So I thought," said James, laughing.

-

-"I did it, really. Of course I can't shoot as well as you."

-

-"I don't think there is a boy in the village can come up to me in that

-line," said James.

-

-"Of course not; though Mark Manning isn't a bad shot."

-

-"Mark Manning! He's one of the peggers in my father's shop, isn't he?"

-

-"Yes."

-

-"Son of the poor widow that lives near the schoolhouse?"

-

-"Yes."

-

-"What can he know of gunning? He had better stick to the shop."

-

-"I didn't say he was equal to you," said Tom apologetically, "but I have

-seen him shoot well."

-

-"Has he a gun of his own?"

-

-"No, but he often gets the loan of Farmer Jones's."

-

-"I suppose he could hit a barn door if he were within fifty feet of it,"

-said James, contemptuously.

-

-Tom was silent. It was not the first time he had noticed how distasteful

-to James was praise of any other boy.

-

-At this moment, from another direction came a third boy, of about the

-same size and age as the two already introduced. He also had a gun on

-his shoulder. He had on a well-worn suit of mixed cloth, which had been

-darned in one or two places. His face was open and attractive, his form

-was well-knit and muscular, and he was evidently in vigorous health.

-

-Tom Wyman was the first to notice the newcomer.

-

-"Talk of the—old Harry," he said, "and he is sure to appear."

-

-"What do you mean?" asked James, who had not yet espied the new arrival.

-

-"There's Mark Manning coming towards us."

-

-James condescended to turn his glance in Marks' direction.

-

-"What brings him here, I wonder?" he said, with a curl of the lip.

-

-"The same errand that brings us, I should judge, from the gun on his

-shoulder," answered Tom.

-

-By this time Mark was within calling distance.

-

-"Hallo, boys!" he said. "Have you shot anything yet?"

-

-"No," answered Tom. "Have you?"

-

-"No, I have only just come."

-

-"Why are you not in the shop?" demanded James, with the air of a young

-lord.

-

-"Because we work only half-time to-day."

-

-"I suppose you were glad of the holiday?"

-

-"No, I would rather have worked. Half-work, half-pay, you know."

-

-"I suppose that's quite an important consideration for a—a working boy

-like you," drawled James, with an air of patronage.

-

-Mark surveyed James, with a quizzical smile, for he had a genuine boy's

-disdain for affectation, and James was a very good specimen of a

-self-conceited dude, though the latter term had not yet come into use.

-

-"Yes," he said, after a slight pause, "it is a consideration—to a

-working boy like me."

-

-"How much now does my father pay you?" inquired James, with gracious

-condescension.

-

-"Seventy-five cents a day—that's the average."

-

-"Very fair pay! I suppose you take it home to your mother?"

-

-"Yes, I do," answered Mark.

-

-"She's—ah—very poor, I hear."

-

-Mark began to find his patronage on the whole rather oppressive. He had

-a sturdy independence of feeling that grew restive under the young

-patrician's condescension.

-

-"We are poor," he answered, "but we have enough to eat, and to wear, and

-a roof to cover us—"

-

-"Exactly. You are indebted to my father for that."

-

-"I don't see how."

-

-"Doesn't he employ you and pay you wages?"

-

-"Yes, but don't I earn my wages by good work?"

-

-"Really, my good fellow, I can't say. I presume you do passably well, or

-he wouldn't keep you in his employ."

-

-"Then it seems to me we are even on that score. However, I didn't come

-here to talk about myself."

-

-Here there was a sudden diversion.

-

-"Look, James! See that bird!" exclaimed Tom, in excitement.

-

-The other two boys looked in the direction indicated, and saw a hawk

-flying swiftly, perhaps two hundred feet above them. The three

-simultaneously raised their guns, and Tom and James fired. But Mark,

-upon second thought reserved his fire, in order to give his two

-companions a chance.

-

-Their guns were discharged, but in vain. The bird flew on, apparently

-unconcerned, considerably to their disappointment.

-

-"Now it is my turn!" reflected Mark.

-

-He raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger; the effect was soon

-seen. The bird fluttered its wings, then dropped quickly through the

-air.

-

-"By Jove, Mark's hit him!" exclaimed Tom in excitement.

-

-James frowned in evident displeasure.

-

-"Yes, he was lucky!" he said significantly.

-

-Mark had run forward to pick up the bird.

-

-"I told you Mark was a good shot!" said Tom, who had not so much vanity

-to wound as James.

-

-"I suppose you think him a better shot than I, because he hit the bird

-and I didn't?" said James, reddening.

-

-"No, I don't say that!"

-

-"I tell you it was pure luck. I've heard of a man who shut his eyes when

-he fired, but he succeeded when all his companions failed. You can't

-judge of one by a single shot."

-

-Here Mark came up with his trophy.

-

-"I congratulate you on your success," said James, unpleasantly. "I

-suppose this is the first bird you ever shot?"

-

-"Oh, no!" answered Mark smilingly. "I have shot a few before now."

-

-"A fly lit on my nose just when I was pulling the trigger, or I should

-have brought him down."

-

-"That was lucky for me," said Mark.

-

-"Come, Tom," said James, drawing his companion away to the left. "We'd

-better separate, or we shall all be shooting at the same object."

-

-"Good luck to you then!" said Mark, as the two left him.

-

-"Thanks!" said Tom, but James deigned no notice of Mark's civility.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER II.

-                          THE HERMIT'S CABIN.

-

-

-MARK smiled to himself as the boys left him.

-

-"James doesn't care to associate with us working boys," he thought.

-"Well, I fancy he cares as much for my company as I do for his."

-

-Mark was thoroughly independent and self-reliant, and had no disposition

-to trouble himself because a particular boy didn't care to associate

-with him.

-

-He was not self-conceited, but he respected himself, and never would

-have been willing, like Tom Wyman, to play the part of an humble

-satellite to the son of a wealthy shoe manufacturer.

-

-He reached the edge of the woods, and plunged into their shaded

-recesses. Here and there were paths more or less worn. One of these he

-took. It was a considerable time before he found anything to shoot at.

-Finally he fired at a squirrel, but the active little animal eluded him,

-and made his way to some covert, whence possibly he peeped out with

-twinkling eyes at his enemy.

-

-Farther on he reached a small clearing, in the center of which rose an

-humble log dwelling, of the most primitive description.

-

-Mark regarded it with curiosity, for, though it was no new object to

-him, he knew that it was occupied by a man who for five years had

-baffled the curiosity of the neighborhood.

-

-Now and then he was seen in the village, whither he went to procure

-supplies of food and other necessaries. A striking figure he was, with

-his long flowing sandy beard, thickly flecked with gray hairs, high

-forehead, and long, circular cloak wrapped around his tall, spare form.

-

-On his head he wore a Spanish sombrero, and his appearance in the

-streets never failed to attract the curious eyes of the children.

-

-Once some rude boys followed him with jeers, but were never tempted to

-repeat the rudeness. With his long staff upraised, he gave chase to

-them, looking so terrible that they were panic-stricken, and with pale

-faces, scattered in all directions.

-

-While Mark was standing near the hermit's cabin, he thought he heard a

-smothered groan proceeding from within.

-

-"What can be the matter," he thought, "can old Anthony be sick?"

-

-This was the name, correct or not, by which the hermit was known in the

-village.

-

-He paused a moment in indecision, but on hearing the groan repeated, he

-overcame his scruples, and pushing open the door, which stood ajar, he

-entered.

-

-On a pallet, at one corner of the main room, lay the old man, with his

-limbs drawn up, as if in pain. His back was towards the door.

-

-"Who is there?" he asked, as he heard the door open.

-

-"A friend," answered Mark. "Are you sick?"

-

-"I have a severe attack of rheumatism," answered the old man.

-

-"And you have no one to take care of you?" said Mark, pityingly.

-

-"No; I have no friends," answered the old man, in a tone half sad, half

-bitter. "Come round to the foot of the bed; let me look at you," he

-added, after a pause.

-

-Mark complied with his request.

-

-Old Anthony regarded him attentively, and said, half to himself, "a good

-face! a face to be trusted!"

-

-"I hope so," said Mark, with a feeling of pleasure. "Can I do anything

-for you?"

-

-"You are willing to help old Anthony? You see I know what they call me

-in the village."

-

-"Yes. I shall be willing and glad to do anything for you."

-

-"You are a good boy. What is your name?"

-

-"Mark Manning."

-

-"I know who you are. Your mother is a widow."

-

-"Yes."

-

-"And poor."

-

-"We have little money, but we have never wanted for food."

-

-"You work for your mother?"

-

-"Yes; I am employed in the shoe factory."

-

-"A good son will make a good man. You will never repent what you are

-doing for your mother."

-

-"No; I am sure I shall not," returned Mark, warmly. "I ought not, for

-she has done everything for me."

-

-"What brings you here?" asked the old man.

-

-"I had a spare afternoon, and came out gunning. I was wandering about

-these woods and happened to come this way. How long have you been sick?"

-

-"For several days; but I was able to be about till yesterday."

-

-"Have you taken no medicine?"

-

-"No. I thought I might do without it; but I find I am mistaken."

-

-"Shall I call the doctor?"

-

-"No; my disease is of old standing, and I know what to do for it. If you

-are willing to go to the drug store for me you may take the bottle on

-yonder shelf and get it filled. The druggist will understand what is

-wanted. You may also get me a box of rheumatic pills."

-

-"Yes, sir; I will go at once."

-

-"You will want money. Look in the box on yonder shelf, and select a gold

-piece. Pay for the articles and bring back the change."

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-Mark went to the shelf, and in a square wooden box found a collection of

-gold and silver coins from which he selected a five-dollar gold piece.

-

-"I have taken five dollars," he said.

-

-"Very well."

-

-"Are you not afraid to leave this money so exposed while you are sick

-and helpless?" Mark ventured to inquire.

-

-"I have no visitors," answered old Anthony.

-

-"But you might have. Some tramp——"

-

-"That is true. Perhaps it would be well to provide for that contingency.

-Will you take it all, and take care of it for me?"

-

-Mark regarded the old man with surprise.

-

-"What—take it away with me?" he asked.

-

-"Yes. I shall have to employ you as my man of business till I get

-better. I will speak with you about it further when you return with the

-medicines."

-

-"Do you know how much there is here?" asked Mark.

-

-"No; you may count it, if you like."

-

-Mark did so and announced as the result of his count, "Twenty-nine

-dollars and thirty cents."

-

-"Very well! You may keep an account of what you expend for me," said the

-old man, indifferently.

-

-"He seems to put a good deal of confidence in me," Mark reflected, with

-some satisfaction.

-

-"Is there nothing else you want in the village?" Mark asked, as he

-prepared to go.

-

-"You may bring me a loaf of fresh bread and a quart of milk, if it will

-not be too much trouble. You will find a tin measure for the milk on the

-shelf."

-

-"Here it is, sir."

-

-"Very well."

-

-"If you would like something nourishing—some meat, for instance—I can

-get my mother to cook you some," continued Mark.

-

-"Not to-day. Another day I may avail myself of your kind offer. You are

-very kind—to a poor recluse."

-

-"I am afraid you don't pass a very pleasant life," said Mark. "I should

-be miserable if I lived alone in the woods, like you."

-

-"No doubt, no doubt. You are young and life opens before you bright and

-cheerful. As for me, I have lived my life. For me no prospect opens but

-the grave. Why, indeed, should I seek to prolong this miserable life?"

-

-Mark hardly knew how to answer him. He could not enter into the old

-man's morbid feelings.

-

-"I will be back soon," he said as he left the cabin.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER III.

-                            A TIMELY RESCUE.

-

-

-MARK MANNING left the cabin and made his way as quickly as possible to

-the edge of the wood. He hadn't got over his wonder at the hermit's

-commission and singular confidence in him.

-

-"It seems strange," he said to himself, "to have so much money in my

-pocket. Nearly thirty dollars! I wonder whether I shall ever have as

-much of my own?"

-

-In truth, thirty dollars seemed a much larger sum to our hero, brought

-up in a hand to hand struggle with poverty, than it would have appeared

-if he had been ten years older.

-

-"He must have more money," thought Mark, "or he would not care so little

-for this sum as to trust it all to me. How does he know that I will

-prove honest?"

-

-Nevertheless it was a satisfaction to Mark to reflect that old Anthony

-was justified in his confidence. Had the sum been ten times as large, he

-would not have been tempted to retain any of it for his own use.

-

-He kept on his way to the drug store, and asked for the medicines

-already referred to.

-

-"Is your mother sick?" asked the druggist, who was very well acquainted

-with Mark and his family.

-

-"No, sir," answered Mark.

-

-"Oh, then it is you who are rheumatic," said the druggist jokingly.

-

-"Wrong again," answered Mark. "I am buying the medicines for old

-Anthony."

-

-"Then he is sick? That accounts for his not having appeared in the

-village for several days."

-

-Thereupon Mark described his chance visit to the cabin, and the

-condition in which he had found the hermit.

-

-"These remedies will do him good," said the druggist, "if he is

-otherwise kept comfortable. A strange man is old Anthony!" he continued

-musingly.

-

-Mark produced a gold piece, from which he requested the druggist to take

-pay for the articles purchased.

-

-"Did the hermit give you this?" asked the druggist.

-

-Mark answered in the affirmative.

-

-"Then it is evident he is not without means. However, I might have known

-that. During the years that he has lived in the wood, he has always been

-prompt in his payments for all articles purchased in the village. His

-expenditures are small, to be sure, but in five years they have amounted

-to considerable."

-

-"What could have induced him to settle in such a lonely spot?"

-

-"That is more than any one hereabouts can tell. He is very secretive,

-and never says anything about himself."

-

-By this time Mark was ready to return. He went to the grocery store,

-where he obtained the milk and loaf of bread, which he had also been

-commissioned to procure. Then he set out for old Anthony's lonely cabin.

-

-Before doing so, he heard something from the grocer that aroused his

-curiosity.

-

-"There was a man in here only twenty minutes since," said the

-storekeeper, "who was asking after Anthony."

-

-"Was it a stranger?"

-

-"Yes. It was a man I never saw before. He was a stout, broad-shouldered

-man with a bronzed face, who looked as if he might be a sailor."

-

-"Did he say who he was?"

-

-"Only that Anthony was a relation of his, and that he had not seen him

-for years."

-

-"Did he say he meant to call upon him?" asked Mark.

-

-"He did not say so, but as he inquired particularly for the location of

-the cabin, I took it for granted that this was his intention."

-

-"Then probably I shall see him, as I am going directly back to the

-wood."

-

-"He will probably be there unless he loses his way."

-

-Leaving Mark to return by the same way he came, we will precede him, and

-make acquaintance with the man who had excited the grocer's curiosity by

-inquiring for the old hermit.

-

-Old Anthony lay on his pallet waiting for the return of Mark.

-

-"I like the boy," he said to himself. "He has an honest face. He looks

-manly and straightforward. He has never joined the other village boys in

-jeering. If my nephew had been like him he might have been a comfort to

-me."

-

-The old man sighed. What thoughts passed through his mind were known

-only to him; but that they were sad ones seemed clear from the

-expression of his face.

-

-Time passed as he lay quiet. Then he heard a noise at the door and the

-step of one entering the cabin.

-

-"Is that you, Mark?" he inquired.

-

-There was a pause. Then a harsh voice answered: "No; it isn't Mark,

-whoever he may be. It is some one who ought to be nearer to you than

-he."

-

-Old Anthony started in evident excitement, and by an effort managed to

-turn round his head so as to see the intruder.

-

-His eyes rested on a man rather above the middle height, shabbily clad,

-with a dark face and threatening expression.

-

-"Lyman Taylor!" he exclaimed.

-

-"Yes, Lyman Taylor," returned the other, mockingly. "Are you glad to see

-your nephew?"

-

-"Heaven knows I am not!" said old Anthony bitterly.

-

-"So I judged from your expression. Yet they say blood is thicker than

-water."

-

-"That there is any tie of blood between us I regret deeply. A man more

-utterly unworthy I have never known."

-

-"Come, Uncle Anthony, isn't that a little strong. I am no angel——"

-

-"You are a worthless scoundrel," said the hermit bitterly.

-

-"Look here, old man," said his nephew fiercely, "I didn't come here to

-be insulted and called bad names. Considering that you are alone and in

-my power, it is a little impertinent in you to talk in that way. I might

-kill you."

-

-"You are quite capable of it," said Anthony. "Do so, if you choose. Life

-is not a possession that I greatly prize."

-

-"I have a great mind to take you at your word," said Taylor coolly, "but

-it wouldn't suit my purpose. Your death would do me no good unless you

-have made me your heir. I am desperately in need of money."

-

-"Work for it, then!"

-

-"Thank you! You are very kind; but employers are rather shy of me. I

-have no recommendations to offer. I don't mind telling you that I have

-spent the last four years in prison."

-

-"A very suitable place for you," said the old man in a caustic tone.

-

-"Thank you again! You are complimentary."

-

-"This is the reason why you have not found me out before?"

-

-"Precisely. You don't suppose I would otherwise have kept away from you

-so long, my most affectionate uncle!"

-

-"Do you recall the circumstances of our last parting? I awoke in

-California to find myself robbed of the large sum of money I had with

-me. Of course, you took it."

-

-"I don't mind owning that I did. But I haven't a cent of it left."

-

-"That I can easily believe. Why have you sought me out?"

-

-"I want more money."

-

-"So I supposed. You can judge from my way of living whether I am likely

-to have any for you."

-

-"You don't appear to be living in luxury. However, it costs something to

-keep body and soul together even in this den. Of course, you have some

-money. However little it is, I want it."

-

-"Then you will be disappointed."

-

-"Where do you keep your money?" demanded Lyman Taylor, roughly.

-

-"Even if I had any. I wouldn't tell you!" said the brave old man.

-

-"Look here, old man, no trifling! Either you will find some money for

-me, or I will choke you?"

-

-He got down on one knee and stooped menacingly over the hermit.

-

-At that moment Mark Manning, who had returned from his errand, reached

-the doorway, and stood a surprised and indignant witness of this

-exciting scene.

-

-Old Anthony struggled, but ineffectually in the grasp of the ruffian who

-had attacked him. Even if he had not been disabled by disease he would

-not have been a match for Lyman Taylor, who was at least twenty-five

-years younger.

-

-"Don't touch me, you scoundrel!" said Anthony, whose spirit exceeded his

-bodily strength.

-

-"Then tell me where you keep your money!"

-

-"That I will not do!"

-

-"Then I'll see if I can't find a way to make you."

-

-As he spoke the young man grabbed the hermit by the throat. He concluded

-too hastily that old Anthony was in his power. He was destined to a

-surprise.

-

-"Let the old man alone!" cried Mark, indignantly.

-

-Lyman Taylor looked up in surprise and some alarm. But when he saw that

-the words proceeded from a boy, he laughed derisively.

-

-[Illustration: Mark dropped his bundles, and taking the musket pointed

-it at the ruffian, saying: "Let go, or I will shoot."]

-

-"Mind your own business, you young bantam, or I'll wring your neck!" he

-said contemptuously. "Now, let me know where you keep your money," he

-said, turning once more to the old man, and preparing to choke him into

-an avowal of his secret.

-

-"Let go, instantly, or I will shoot!" exclaimed Mark, now thoroughly

-aroused.

-

-Once more the ruffian turned, and this time his countenance changed, for

-Mark, boyish but resolute, had dropped his bundles, and had the musket

-pointed directly at him.

-

-Taylor rose to his feet suddenly.

-

-"Take care, there!" he said, nervously. "Put down that gun!"

-

-"Then leave old Anthony alone!" returned Mark, resolutely.

-

-"Are you my uncle's guardian?" demanded Lyman, with a sneer.

-

-"If he is your uncle, the more shame to you to treat him brutally!"

-

-"I didn't come here to be lectured by a boy," said Taylor, angrily. "Put

-down that gun!"

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER IV.

-                          THE HERMIT EXPLAINS.

-

-

-MARK did not obey directly, but turning to the hermit said, "Do you want

-this man to leave the cabin?"

-

-"Yes," answered the old man, "but beware of him! He is all that is bad!"

-

-"A pretty recommendation to come from your uncle," said Taylor,

-sullenly. "Uncle Anthony, I ask you once more to give me money. I am

-penniless, and am a desperate man."

-

-"There is no money in this cabin, and you would search for it in vain,

-but if you will promise to leave this place and trouble me no more, I

-will provide you with five dollars."

-

-"What are five dollars?"

-

-"All that you will get. Do you make the promise?"

-

-"Well, yes—"

-

-"Mark, you may give this man five dollars on my account."

-

-"Is he your treasurer!" inquired Taylor, in surprise.

-

-"He has charge of some funds out of which he buys me what I need."

-

-"How much money have you got of my uncle's, boy?"

-

-"I don't care to answer the question. Ask your uncle."

-

-"A small sum only. It won't be worth your while, Lyman, to plot for its

-possession."

-

-"Have you no other money?"

-

-"None that you are likely to get hold of. I will save you the trouble of

-searching the cabin, or prowling round it, by repeating that I have no

-money concealed here. You know me well enough to know that I am not

-deceiving you."

-

-Lyman Taylor listened in sullen disappointment. He did know that his

-uncle's word could be relied upon implicitly, and that the hopes which

-he had built up of securing a large fund from the uncle he had once

-robbed, were not destined to be realized.

-

-"It seems you are a pauper, then," he said.

-

-"I have not been compelled to ask for charity yet," answered Anthony. "I

-live here for next to nothing, and have not suffered yet for the

-necessities of life."

-

-Lyman Taylor looked around him contemptuously.

-

-"You must have a sweet time living here," he said, "in this lonely old

-cabin."

-

-"I would not exchange it for the place in which you confess that you

-have passed the last four years."

-

-Taylor frowned, but did not otherwise notice the old man's retort.

-

-"Give me the five dollars, boy," he said, "and I will go. It seems I am

-wasting time here."

-

-Mark drew a gold piece from his pocket and passed it to him.

-

-"Have you many more of these?" he demanded, his eyes gleaming with

-cupidity.

-

-"No."

-

-"Give me another."

-

-"They are not mine to give."

-

-"Not another one, Mark," said Anthony. "He does not deserve even that."

-

-"Make way, then, and I will go," said the nephew, convinced that he had

-no more to expect.

-

-Mark moved aside, and he strode out of the cabin.

-

-"Good-bye, Uncle Anthony," he said. "You haven't treated me very

-generously, considering how long it is since you did anything for me."

-

-"Are you utterly shameless, Lyman?" said the hermit. "I hope never to

-set eyes on you again."

-

-"Thank you, you are very kind. Boy, what is your name?"

-

-"Mark Manning."

-

-"Well, Mark, as you appear to be in charge of my uncle, I shall be glad

-to have you write me if anything happens to him. As his nearest relative

-and heir, I ought to be notified."

-

-Mark looked to the hermit for directions.

-

-"Give him your address, Lyman," said Anthony. "If there is any news to

-interest you, he shall write. But don't calculate on my speedy death. It

-is hardly likely to benefit you."

-

-"I may want to visit your grave, uncle," said Lyman, jeeringly.

-

-"Give him an address where a letter will reach you then."

-

-"No. —— Third Avenue, New York," said Taylor. "Write soon."

-

-He left the cabin, and old Anthony and Mark were alone.

-

-"He is my nearest relative," said the old man, "and a relative to be

-proud of, eh, Mark?"

-

-"No, sir."

-

-"Years since we were in California together, I had two thousand dollars

-in gold dust under my pillow. My nephew was my companion, but none of

-the gold belonged to him. I woke one morning to find my nephew gone, and

-my gold also. From that time I have not set eyes on him till to-day."

-

-"It was a shabby trick," said Mark, warmly. "Were you left destitute?"

-

-"So far as money went, yes. But I was the owner of a claim which my

-nephew thought exhausted. I resumed work on it, and three days later

-made a valuable find. Within a month I took out ten thousand dollars,

-and sold it for five thousand more."

-

-"Your nephew does not know this, does he?"

-

-"No; if he had, I should not have got rid of him so easily. But I have

-not told you all. I remained in California a year longer, and left it

-worth forty thousand dollars."

-

-"Then why—excuse me for asking—have you come to this poor cabin to

-live?" asked Mark.

-

-"I had one other relative than Lyman, a daughter—I left her at a

-boarding-school in Connecticut. I returned to find that she had married

-an adventurer a month previous. Two years later I heard of her death.

-Life had lost its charm for me. I would not deprive myself of it, but in

-a fit of misanthropy I buried myself here."

-

-Old Anthony seemed weary, and Mark questioned him no more, but set

-before him the milk and loaf which he had brought with him.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                               CHAPTER V.

-                 LYMAN TAYLOR MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.

-

-

-ON leaving the cabin Mark promised to call again the next afternoon,

-bringing from the village such articles as Anthony might require. This

-he could readily do as the shoe manufactory was not running full time.

-

-"I will see that you are paid for your trouble," said the hermit.

-

-"That will be all right," said Mark, cheerfully.

-

-"I am able to pay you, and will employ you only on that condition,"

-persisted Anthony.

-

-"I shall not object to that part of the bargain," said Mark, smiling.

-"Money never comes amiss to me."

-

-"I have plenty of money, though I would not admit it to my nephew,"

-continued the sick man. "He would persecute me till I bought him off.

-Fortunately he thinks I am poor."

-

-"But," said Mark, "suppose he should come back. Would not your money be

-in danger?"

-

-"He would find none here. I do not keep any in this cabin. I did have

-some, but it is in your hands."

-

-"Shall I not return it to you, sir?"

-

-"No; I prefer that you should keep it. You will be using money for me

-daily, and for the present you shall be my treasurer."

-

-"I am very much obliged to you for reposing so much confidence in me,"

-said Mark.

-

-"I trust you entirely. You have an honest face."

-

-"Thank you, sir. I will endeavor to deserve your confidence."

-

-It was past four o'clock when Mark left the cabin and started on his way

-homeward. He walked along thoughtfully, carrying his gun over his

-shoulder.

-

-"It seems I have a near friend," he reflected; "and one who may be of

-service to me. Now that the shop is no longer running full time, it will

-be convenient to earn a little extra money, old Anthony must be rich,

-judging from what he said about his success in California."

-

-Mark could not help wondering where the hermit kept his money. But for

-Anthony's positive assurance, he would have conjectured that he kept it

-somewhere concealed about the cabin, but that being left out of the

-question he was at a loss to fix upon any probable place of deposit.

-

-Leaving Mark for a brief time; we go back to the other two young

-hunters, from whom he had separated two hours before.

-

-"I don't like that boy," said James Collins. "He puts on too many airs

-for a poor boy. I suppose he will be crowing over his successful shot."

-

-"Very likely," chimed in his companion, who made it a point to flatter

-James by agreeing with everything he said.

-

-"It was only a lucky accident," continued James. "He couldn't do it

-again."

-

-"Of course not. I don't think he is really as good a shot as you or I."

-

-"You can hardly class yourself with me," said James egotistically.

-"However. I agree with you that he is inferior to you."

-

-"Quick, James!" said Tom Wyman. "There is a squirrel—shoot! I'll give

-you the first chance."

-

-James pulled the trigger, but the squirrel was not destined to fall by

-his hands. He scampered away, looking back saucily at the baffled young

-hunter.

-

-"Was ever anything more provoking?" asked James in evident chagrin.

-

-Later in the afternoon when the two boys were slowly strolling

-homewards, they saw a strange man issuing from the woods. It was Lyman

-Taylor, returned from his only partially successful visit to his uncle.

-

-He waited till the boys came up.

-

-"Good afternoon, young gentlemen," he said by way of greeting.

-

-"Good afternoon," returned James stiffly.

-

-He doubted whether the newcomer was a man whom it was worth while to

-notice.

-

-"What luck have you had? I see you have been out hunting."

-

-"We didn't shoot anything we thought worth bringing home," said Tom.

-

-"I met another boy out with a gun. Perhaps he is a friend of yours."

-

-James and Tom exchanged glances. They understood very well that Mark

-Manning was meant.

-

-"I think I know the boy you met," said James. "It is a poor boy who

-works in my father's manufactory."

-

-"What is his name?" asked Lyman Taylor.

-

-"Mark Manning."

-

-"Does he live in the village?"

-

-"Yes; his mother is a poor widow."

-

-"Where did you meet him?" asked Tom.

-

-"At a cabin in the woods."

-

-"Old Anthony's?"

-

-"Yes; the hermit is an uncle of mine."

-

-The two boys regarded the speaker with interest. All the villagers had

-some curiosity about the man who had settled so near them.

-

-"What is his name?" inquired Tom.

-

-"You called him old Anthony," said Lyman, smiling. "That is his name."

-

-"But his other name?"

-

-"His last name is Taylor, I have not seen him before for five years.

-Does he often come into the village?"

-

-"About twice a week."

-

-"I suppose he comes to buy food?"

-

-"Yes; I suppose so."

-

-"Does he appear to be provided with money?" asked Taylor with some

-eagerness.

-

-"Yes, I believe so," replied Tom. "He has sometimes come into our

-place—father is the postmaster—to get a gold piece changed. But I don't

-suppose he has much money. It doesn't cost him much to live."

-

-"Does he ever get any letters—as your father is postmaster, you can

-probably tell."

-

-"I don't think so; my father has never mentioned it, and I think he

-would if any had been received."

-

-"What sort of a boy is this Mark Manning?" asked Taylor abruptly.

-

-"I don't think much of him," answered James. "He is poor and proud. He

-is only a pegger in our shop, but he puts on airs with the best."

-

-"Do you think he is honest?"

-

-The two boys looked surprised; that question had never occurred to them.

-

-"What makes you ask?" inquired James.

-

-"Only that he has in his possession a sum of money belonging to my

-uncle."

-

-"Did he tell you so? did you see it?" were the questions quickly asked.

-

-"I met him at my uncle's cabin. My uncle owed me a small sum, and

-instead of paying me himself, he asked this boy to pay me. The boy took

-the money from his pocket, and handed it to me."

-

-Both boys were surprised.

-

-"I didn't know he had anything to do with the hermit," said Tom. "Did

-you, James?"

-

-"No; but then I don't trouble myself about Mark Manning's affairs."

-

-Lyman Taylor regarded James shrewdly, he had no difficulty in detecting

-the boy's dislike towards Mark.

-

-"Excuse my troubling you with questions, young gentlemen," he said. "My

-uncle is a simple-minded old man, and it would be easy to rob him,

-though I fancy he hasn't much money. This boy Mark appeared to me an

-artful young rogue, who might very probably cheat him out of the small

-sum he has."

-

-"I never saw the two together," said Tom, musingly. "Old Anthony has

-generally paid his bills himself."

-

-"He is sick just now, and perhaps that accounts for it. The boy Mark has

-been making purchases for him in the village. However, I must leave the

-place, as important business calls me elsewhere. Since you," addressing

-Tom, "are the postmaster's son, may I ask a favor of you?"

-

-"Certainly."

-

-"If my uncle should die, can I trouble you to send me a note informing

-me, as I should feel called upon, as his only relative, to see that he

-was properly buried."

-

-"Yes, sir; I will write you, if you will leave me your address."

-

-Lyman Taylor gave Tom the same address he had already given Mark. He

-then bade the boys good-bye, and walked on.

-

-"Uncle Anthony _may_ have some money," he soliloquized, "and if he dies,

-I shall see if I can find it. I am pretty sure to hear through one of

-the boys."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER VI.

-                       A TRAGEDY IN THE PASTURE.

-

-

-ON their way home the two boys had occasion to cross a pasture belonging

-to Deacon Miller, an old farmer whose house and barn were about a

-furlong distant on a rising ground.

-

-They sauntered along in single file. James had a careless way of

-carrying his gun, which made some of the boys unwilling to accompany

-him, unless it was unloaded. Tom had two or three times cautioned him on

-this very afternoon, but James did not receive his remonstrance in good

-part.

-

-"Don't trouble yourself so much about my gun, Tom Wyman," he said. "I

-guess I know how to carry my gun as well as you do."

-

-"I don't doubt that in the least, James, but you must admit that you

-handle it rather carelessly. Some of the boys don't like to go hunting

-with you."

-

-"Then they are cowards. I never shot any boy yet," answered James, with

-some heat.

-

-"No, but you might."

-

-"You are making a great deal of fuss about nothing. I didn't think you

-were so timid."

-

-"I don't know that I am particularly timid, but I shouldn't like to be

-riddled with shot," returned Tom, good-humoredly.

-

-"Then you'd better get your life insured when you go out with me next,"

-sneered James.

-

-"I don't know but I shall," said Tom, declining to take offense.

-

-For a very brief period James carried his gun more carefully. Then he

-forgot his caution, and in transferring his gun from one shoulder to the

-other somehow he touched the hammer, and the gun was discharged.

-

-It was most unfortunate, but when the gun went off it was pointed

-directly at a white-faced cow belonging to Deacon Miller.

-

-The small shot penetrated both the poor animal's eyes, and with a moan

-of anguish the cow sank to the ground.

-

-Both boys stared in dismay at the victim of carelessness.

-

-"There, you've gone and done it now, James," said Tom. "You've shot

-Deacon Miller's cow."

-

-"I don't see how I happened to do it," stammered James, really

-frightened.

-

-"I told you not to carry your gun so carelessly."

-

-"You told me! Of course you want to get me into trouble about this!"

-exclaimed James, irritably.

-

-"No, I don't."

-

-"Then," said James, quickly, "don't say a word about it. We'll get home

-as soon as we can, and won't know anything about it. Mum's the word!"

-

-"Of course I'll be mum, but it will be known that we have been out with

-guns this afternoon."

-

-"So has Mark Manning."

-

-James looked significantly at Tom, and Tom understood.

-

-Poor Mark was to bear the blame for a deed he didn't do, and all to

-screen James.

-

-"It's mean!" Tom said to himself, "but I can't go back on James. I want

-to keep in with him, and I suppose I must consent."

-

-"Well?" demanded James, impatiently.

-

-"It won't come out through me," answered Tom, but not with alacrity.

-

-"And if Mark is accused you won't say anything?"

-

-"N-o!" said Tom, slowly.

-

-"Then let us put for home!"

-

-James suited the action to the word, and the two boys hurried across the

-pasture, never venturing to look back at the suffering animal.

-

-Fifteen minutes later, when James and Tom were already at home, Mark

-Manning entered the narrow foot-path that led across the pasture.

-

-He was immersed in thought, the hermit and his strange experience at the

-cabin being the subject of his reflections, when he heard a pitiful

-moaning, not far from him.

-

-Looking up he observed that it proceeded from old Whitey, as the deacon

-was accustomed to call his favorite cow.

-

-"What's the matter with you, old Whitey?" said Mark, who was always

-moved by distress, whether in man or beast.

-

-Coming nearer, he was not long left in doubt. The nature of the injury

-which the poor cow had received was evident to him.

-

-"Poor old Whitey!" he said, pitifully. "Who has shot you in this cruel

-manner?"

-

-The sole answer was a moan of anguish from the stricken animal.

-

-"I am afraid she will have to be killed!" thought Mark, sadly. "It is

-only torture for her to live with this injury, and of course there is no

-cure."

-

-He was still standing beside the cow, gun in hand, when a harsh voice

-became audible.

-

-"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?"

-

-Looking up, he saw the deacon but four rods distant.

-

-Deacon Miller was an old man, of giant form, and harsh, irregular

-features. He was a very unpopular man in the neighborhood, and

-deservedly so. He had made home so disagreeable that his only son had

-gone away fifteen years before, and the deacon had never heard from him

-since.

-

-"What have you been doin' to my cow?" he demanded, in a still harsher

-tone.

-

-"Nothing, Deacon Miller," answered Mark, calmly.

-

-"You don't mean to tell me the critter's makin' all this fuss for

-nothin', do you?"

-

-"No; the poor animal has been shot."

-

-"Has been what?" snarled the deacon.

-

-"Shot! Shot in the face, and I am afraid its eyes are put out," replied

-Mark.

-

-"Old Whitey shot in the eye," repeated the deacon, in a fury. "Then it's

-you that did it."

-

-[Illustration: "What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?" said the

-deacon, coming up to him.]

-

-"You are mistaken, sir," said Mark, with dignity. "I have just come up,

-and this is the condition in which I found Whitey."

-

-"What's that you are carryin' in your hand?" demanded the deacon,

-sternly.

-

-"My gun."

-

-"I am glad you are willin' to tell the truth. I didn't know but you'd

-say it was a hoe," exploded the deacon in angry irony.

-

-"Your cow has received no injury from my gun, if that's what you're

-hinting at, Deacon Miller."

-

-"Let me take the gun!"

-

-In some surprise Mark put it into his hands. The deacon raised it, and

-pulled the trigger.

-

-No report was heard. The gun was not loaded.

-

-"Just what I thought," said the deacon, triumphantly. "If it had been

-loaded, I might have thought you told me the truth. Now I know as well

-as I want to that you shot my cow in the face with it."

-

-"I assure you, Deacon Miller," said Mark, earnestly, beginning to

-comprehend the extent to which he was implicated, although innocent. "I

-assure you, Deacon Miller, that I have had nothing to do with harming

-poor Whitey."

-

-"Anyway, I shall hold you responsible, and I reckon you'll have hard

-work to prove yourself innocent," said the deacon, grimly. "I ain't

-going to lose a forty-five dollar cow, and say nothin' about it. You

-jest tell your mother when you go home to see about raisin' forty-five

-dollars to make up old Whitey's loss. As she's a poor widder I'll give

-her thirty days to do it in. Do you hear?"

-

-"Yes, Deacon Miller, I hear, but I repeat that I didn't harm your cow,

-and I shan't pay you a cent."

-

-"We'll see!" was the only answer the deacon gave, nodding his head with

-emphasis.

-

-Poor Mark! he had never felt so miserable, as he plodded slowly home. He

-was innocent, but circumstances were against him, and the deacon was

-implacable.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER VII.

-                             MARK AT HOME.

-

-

-MARK'S home was a small cottage of a story and a half, surmounted by a

-sloping roof. It was plainly furnished, but looked comfortable. His

-mother was a pleasant looking woman of middle age, who managed well

-their scanty income, consisting chiefly of Mark's earnings.

-

-"Are you not later than usual, Mark?" she inquired.

-

-"Yes, mother; I went out gunning, and did an errand for old Anthony, who

-is laid up with the rheumatism in his cabin."

-

-"Poor man! I hope he won't suffer."

-

-"Thanks to me, he probably will not."

-

-"What can you do for him, Mark? You have no money to spare."

-

-"Haven't I, mother?" asked Mark, with a smile, as he drew from his

-pocket a large handful of silver and gold.

-

-"What do you say to that?"

-

-"Oh, Mark! I hope you came honestly by that money," said the widow,

-nervously.

-

-"I haven't been robbing a bank, if that's what you mean, mother. I

-couldn't very well, as there is none within ten miles."

-

-"Then, Mark, where did the money come from?"

-

-"It belongs to old Anthony. He asked me to take charge of it, as I shall

-need to be buying things for him in the village for a few days to come."

-

-"For mercy's sake, be careful of it, Mark, as, if you lost it, we

-couldn't make up the loss."

-

-"I'll look after that. In fact, I think it will be safer with me than

-with the owner. If any dishonest person should enter his cabin, he could

-not help being robbed in his present condition."

-

-"That would be very unfortunate, as the old man is probably very poor."

-

-Mark was about to undeceive his mother, but, reflecting that Lyman

-Taylor might still be in the village, he thought it not prudent to

-betray the hermit's secret.

-

-"I heard a report to-day, Mark," said his mother, as she was setting the

-supper table, "that the shoe-shop was to be closed for a month."

-

-"I hope not," said Mark, startled. "That would be serious for us."

-

-"And for others too, Mark."

-

-"Yes. It isn't as if there were other employments open, but there is

-absolutely nothing, unless I could get a chance to do some farm work."

-

-"Perhaps Deacon Miller may need a boy."

-

-"He's about the last man I would work for. He wouldn't pay me a cent."

-

-"Why not, Mark? He wouldn't expect you to work for nothing."

-

-"He claims that I owe him forty-five dollars, and would expect me to

-work it out."

-

-"What do you mean, Mark? How can you owe the deacon forty-five dollars?"

-

-"I don't, but he claims I do."

-

-Mark then told his mother the story of the cow.

-

-"Deacon Miller expects me to pay for it," he concluded, "but I think

-he'll have to take it out in expecting."

-

-"Oh, Mark, I am afraid this will lead to serious trouble," said Mrs.

-Manning, looking distressed. "He may go to law about it."

-

-"He can't make me pay for the damage somebody else did, mother."

-

-"But if he makes out that you shot the cow?"

-

-"I won't trouble about it. It might spoil my appetite for supper. I've

-got a healthy appetite to-night, mother."

-

-"Your story has taken away mine, Mark."

-

-"Don't worry, mother; it will all come right."

-

-"I am afraid worrying comes natural to me, Mark. I've seen more trouble

-than you have, my son."

-

-"Forget it all till supper is over, mother."

-

-Supper was scarcely over when a knock was heard at the door, and John

-Downie entered. He was a boy of Scotch descent, and lived near by.

-

-"How are you, Johnny," said Mark, "won't you have some supper?"

-

-"Thank you, Mark, I've had some. Have you heard about Deacon Miller's

-cow?"

-

-"What about her?" asked Mark, eagerly.

-

-"You know old Whitey?"

-

-"Yes, yes."

-

-"Her eyes are put out by an accidental discharge of a gun, and I guess

-she will have to be killed."

-

-"Do you know who shot her?" asked Mark, with intense interest.

-

-"Yes, I do, but the deacon doesn't," answered John.

-

-"Who was it?"

-

-"James Collins. He and Tom Wyman were coming through the pasture, when

-James, in handling his gun awkwardly, managed to discharge it full in

-poor Whitey's face."

-

-"How do you know it was James?"

-

-"Because I saw it. I was in the next field and saw it all."

-

-"Did the boys see you?"

-

-"No; they hurried away as fast as they could go."

-

-"Johnny, you're a trump!" exclaimed Mark, rising and shaking the boy's

-hand vigorously.

-

-"Why am I a trump?" asked Johnny, astonished.

-

-"Because your testimony will clear me. The deacon charges me with

-shooting the cow, and wants me to pay forty-five dollars."

-

-"Gosh!" exclaimed Johnny. "But what makes him think you shot old

-Whitey?"

-

-Mark briefly explained.

-

-"But," said Mrs. Manning, "surely James Collins would not permit you to

-suffer for his fault?"

-

-"You don't know James, mother. That's just what he would do, I feel

-sure. What do you say, Johnny?"

-

-"Jim Collins is just mean enough to do it," answered John.

-

-"He can't do it now, however. Mr. Collins is abundantly able to pay for

-the cow, and I guess he'll have to."

-

-"I don't know how we could ever have paid so large a sum," said the

-widow.

-

-"We shan't have to, mother, that's one comfort."

-

-"There's the deacon coming!" exclaimed Johnny, suddenly.

-

-"So he is! Johnny, just run into the kitchen, and I'll call you when

-you're wanted. We'll have some fun. Mother, don't say a word till we

-hear what the deacon has to say."

-

-By this time the deacon had knocked. Mrs. Manning admitted him, and he

-entered with a preliminary cough.

-

-"Are your family well, deacon?" asked the mother.

-

-"They're middlin', widder, which is a comfort. Families are often a

-source of trouble," and here the deacon glanced sharply at Mark, who,

-rather to his surprise, looked cool and composed.

-

-"That may be, Deacon Miller, but I am thankful that Mark never gives me

-any trouble."

-

-"Don't be too sure of that, ma'am," said the deacon, grimly. "It's about

-that very thing I've come here now. Your son has shot my most valuable

-cow, old Whitey, and I regret to say, widder, that he'll have to make it

-good for me. Forty-five dollars is what the critter is worth, and I

-wouldn't have taken that for her."

-

-"Are you sure Mark shot your cow?" asked Mrs. Manning.

-

-"As sure as I need to be. I caught him standin' by the cow with his gun

-in his hand. The barrel was empty, for I tried it to see."

-

-"What have you to say to this charge, Mark?"

-

-"That Deacon Miller is mistaken. I did not shoot his cow."

-

-"I reckon you'll have to pay for it all the same. Mark Manning. I don't

-want to be hard on a poor widder, but it stands to reason that I should

-be paid for my cow."

-

-"I agree to that," said Mark, "but I'm not the one."

-

-"Mebbe the cow shot herself!" said the deacon, sarcastically. "It may be

-nat'ral for cows to commit suicide, but I never saw one do it as far as

-I can remember. Young man, your story is too thin."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER VIII.

-                       DEACON MILLER GETS A CLUE.

-

-

-MARK was forced to smile at the idea of old Whitey committing suicide.

-The deacon observed his smile, and it provoked him.

-

-"Do you mean to say, Mark Manning, that you think the critter shot

-herself in the face?" he demanded, sharply.

-

-"No, Deacon Miller, I have no such idea."

-

-"That's the same as admittin' that you shot her," said the deacon,

-triumphantly.

-

-"No, it isn't, deacon. I didn't shoot her, but I have no doubt some one

-else did."

-

-"It may have been the cat," remarked the deacon, with a return to

-sarcasm.

-

-"It was probably a two-legged cat," said Mark.

-

-"Jest my idee!" remarked the deacon, quickly, "An' that brings it home

-to you. You was out with a gun, an' I caught you standin' beside the

-cow."

-

-"As to catching me," returned Mark, "there was no catching about it. I

-was crossing the pasture, and was attracted by the poor animal's moans.

-That is the way I happened to be near when you came up."

-

-"That all sounds very smooth," said the deacon, impatiently, "but if you

-didn't shoot the cow, who did?"

-

-"I think that question can be answered, Deacon Miller; John Downie!"

-

-To the deacon's surprise, John came into the room at this summons.

-

-"Johnny," said Mark, "will you tell the deacon who shot his cow!"

-

-"I don't like to tell," objected John; "it wasn't done on purpose."

-

-"Did you do it?" queried the deacon, sharply.

-

-"No, _sir_. I never fired a gun in my life."

-

-"Who did it, then?"

-

-"Must I tell, Mark?"

-

-"Yes, Johnny; Deacon Miller has a right to know; even if it was not done

-on purpose, the one who did it ought to make good the loss."

-

-"That's where you speak sense, Mark," said the deacon, approvingly.

-

-"Then it was Jim Collins."

-

-"James Collins—the squire's son!" repeated the deacon, astonished.

-

-"Yes."

-

-John proceeded to tell the story once more. The deacon, it is needless

-to say, listened very attentively.

-

-"So the boys run away, did they?" he inquired, grimly.

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"And I s'pose you'd have run away, too, if you had done it, hey?"

-

-"Perhaps I might," answered John, ingenuously. "I s'pose they were

-scared."

-

-"I'll scare 'em," growled the deacon. "Squire Collins is able to make up

-the loss to me, and I mean he shall." Then, with a momentary suspicion,

-"This ain't a story you an' Mark have got up between you, to get him

-off, is it?"

-

-"I will answer that, Deacon Miller," said Mark firmly. "If I had shot

-your cow, I wouldn't have run away, but I'd have gone right to you and

-told you about it, and I'd have paid you just as soon as I could."

-

-"That's right, that's right," said the deacon, approvingly, beginning to

-regard Mark with more favor. "Well, I must go and see the squire. Here,

-you John Downie, come along with me."

-

-"I've got to go home," said John.

-

-"But I can't prove it without you."

-

-"You can tell the squire that I saw it done, and am ready to swear to

-it, if he wants me to."

-

-"Mebbe that'll do if I send for you, you'll come, hey?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-The deacon did not feel disposed to postpone what he regarded as

-important business, and he left the cottage, taking the shortest

-direction to the squire's more imposing dwelling. We will precede him.

-

-James Collins and his friend, as already described, ran away as fast as

-their legs could carry them, when they ascertained what damage had been

-done.

-

-No one, so far as they knew, had seen them, and they hoped to escape,

-scot free.

-

-Tom accompanied James home, and stayed to supper. After supper the boys

-went out, and had a conference together.

-

-James felt a little nervous, though he believed that he was safe from

-incurring suspicion.

-

-"I wonder if the deacon has found old Whitey yet?" said James.

-

-"I guess so," answered Tom. "He usually goes after the cows before

-this."

-

-"I wonder how he'll think it happened?"

-

-"Maybe he'll lay it to Mark."

-

-James was not very much disturbed at this supposition.

-

-"That would be a good joke!" he said.

-

-"Not for Mark."

-

-"Mark can take care of himself. He was out with a gun as well as we."

-

-"His mother couldn't afford to pay for the cow," said Tom, who was

-rather more considerate than his companion.

-

-"That's none of my business. And, Tom, there's something I want to say

-to you."

-

-"Go ahead!"

-

-"If Mark is accused, don't you go to saying it's a mistake. Remember

-it's none of your business."

-

-Tom looked uncomfortable, having some conscience.

-

-"It would be rough on a poor woman like Mrs. Manning having to pay for

-the deacon's cow."

-

-"You're mighty considerate, Tom. You might consider me a little. If it

-were known that I shot the cow, father would make me pay at least half

-the bill out of my money in the savings' bank. I thought you were my

-friend!"

-

-"So I am."

-

-"Then you won't betray me. As for Mark, the deacon can't prove it

-against him, so he won't have to pay."

-

-"Then the deacon will lose his cow, and get no pay."

-

-"He can afford it. He's a stingy old lunks, anyway."

-

-"That's true enough."

-

-"And it won't ruin him if he does lose the cow. He's able to buy

-another."

-

-It struck Tom, though he was not over conscientious, that this was not

-exactly the way to regard the matter, but he did not like to offend

-James, and he had ventured to oppose him more than usual already. So he

-remained silent.

-

-James was not quite satisfied with his friend. He was not altogether

-sure of his fidelity.

-

-"I've got only one thing to say, Tom," he added. "If you go back on me,

-and breathe a word of what happened in the pasture, I'll never speak to

-you again as long as I live."

-

-"Who's going back on you? did I say I was?" demanded Tom rather

-irritably.

-

-"All right, then; I only wanted to have the thing understood between us,

-I didn't really think you would be mean enough to tell."

-

-So a satisfactory understanding was established between the two boys,

-and it looked as if Mark was likely to be the victim of their alliance.

-

-But just when James was beginning to feel secure, he was startled by an

-apparition just looming in sight on the highway. It was not a formidable

-figure—that of Deacon Miller—but under the circumstances James turned

-pale and his heart began to beat.

-

-"Tom," he gasped; "isn't that Deacon Miller coming up the road?"

-

-"It's the deacon sure enough!" answered Tom, looking disconcerted.

-

-"Do you think he's coming here?" queried James nervously.

-

-"Looks like it?" muttered Tom.

-

-"Do you think he can have——heard anything?"

-

-"Perhaps he heard that we were out with guns?" suggested Tom. "He may

-have come to make inquiries."

-

-"Just so, now, Tom, be careful not to look as if there was anything the

-matter. We'll be extra polite to the old fellow."

-

-"All right!"

-

-"He may not be coming here after all."

-

-But he was! arrived at the gate Deacon Miller paused, and opening it

-entered the front yard. He looked sharply at the two boys who were

-standing on the lawn.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER IX.

-                         THE DEACON'S MISSION.

-

-

-ORDINARILY James would not have considered Deacon Miller worth any

-polite attention, but the knowledge of what had happened in the pasture

-had its effect upon him. He thought it necessary by a little attention

-to disarm the deacon's suspicions if he had any.

-

-"Good evening, Deacon Miller," he said politely. "Did you wish to see

-father?"

-

-"Wal," said the deacon deliberately. "I have a little business with him.

-Is he at home?"

-

-"I am pretty sure he is," answered James. "Come in with me, and I'll

-see."

-

-The deacon smiled—an inscrutable smile—and followed James, who opened

-the front door and led him into the parlor.

-

-"You're very obligin'," he said. "I had no idea you was so polite."

-

-"It is the duty of a gentleman to be polite!" said James loftily.

-

-"So 'tis, so 'tis!" returned the old man chuckling in an unaccountable

-manner. "I'm glad you think so. It's a great thing to be a boy, I had

-lots of fun when I was a boy. So do you, hey?"

-

-"Oh yes," answered James indifferently. "But not as much as I could have

-in the city."

-

-"But you couldn't go huntin' and fishin' in the city," said the deacon

-slyly.

-

-James' heart gave a bound. What did the disagreeable old man mean? was

-it possible that he suspected?

-

-"I don't care much for either," he said. "But I'll go and call father."

-

-Presently the squire appeared and invited Deacon Miller into the back

-room, which was used as the family dining and sitting-room.

-

-"Glad to see, you, deacon," said Mr. Collins, who, having political

-aspirations, thought it worth while to be polite to his neighbors.

-

-"I ain't so sure of that, squire, when you know what I come about,"

-returned the deacon with a crafty smile.

-

-"No bad news, I hope, deacon."

-

-"Wal, it ain't good news. You know my cow, old Whitey?"

-

-"Well?" interrogated the squire, looking puzzled. He had heard nothing

-as yet of the accident in the pasture.

-

-"She was shot in the face this afternoon—her eyes totally destroyed. I

-shall have to kill her."

-

-"That's a pity! I sympathize with you, deacon. It must be a great

-disappointment to you. She was a good milker, wasn't she?"

-

-"Fust-rate! I never had a cow that could beat her. She was worth fifty

-dollars easy."

-

-"Very likely," said the squire, innocently, quite unaware of the trap

-which the wily deacon was preparing for him. It will be observed that

-the deacon, finding he had a case against a rich man, had concluded to

-raise the value of the cow by five dollars. "Fifty dollars is a

-considerable loss."

-

-"So 'tis, but I haven't got to lose it. The one that shot old Whitey is

-responsible."

-

-"Who did shoot her?" asked Squire Collins.

-

-"Your boy, James," answered the deacon, slowly.

-

-Squire Collins was very disagreeably surprised. He was not a man who

-liked to part with money, and he saw how he had been trapped.

-

-"Did you see James shoot the cow?" he demanded sharply.

-

-"N—o; I can't say I did," replied the deacon, cautiously.

-

-"I don't believe he did it then. Did he admit it to you?"

-

-"N—o. I didn't ask him about it."

-

-"Then, Deacon Miller, permit me to say that you have no case against

-him, and I am not responsible for your unfortunate loss.

-

-"Somebody else saw it!" remarked the deacon triumphantly.

-

-"Who was it?"

-

-"John Downie."

-

-"John Downie! Pooh, he is a mere boy," said the squire, contemptuously.

-

-"He's got as many eyes as you or I, squire," said the deacon, shrewdly.

-

-This was unquestionably true, and the squire felt that he had made a

-foolish objection.

-

-"John Downie may not tell the truth," he said, angrily.

-

-"I'm willin' it should come before the court," said the deacon.

-"Wouldn't it be jest as well to ask your boy about it; he's out in the

-yard."

-

-James was still in the yard. He had half a mind to go away, but was

-anxious about the deacon's errand. When he heard his father's voice

-calling him he turned pale.

-

-"Wait for me, Tom," he said. "If you're asked, don't say I did it."

-

-Tom looked disturbed and uneasy, and did not reply.

-

-James entered his father's presence with a perturbed spirit. He stole a

-glance at the deacon, who sat with his wizened face calm and

-imperturbable.

-

-"Did you want me, father?" asked James.

-

-"James," said his father, abruptly, "Deacon Miller tells me that some

-one has shot his cow, old Whitey, this afternoon, and injured her so

-seriously that she will have to be killed."

-

-"I am sorry to hear it," said James, nervously.

-

-"Do you know who did it?"

-

-"How should I?" asked James, after a pause.

-

-"Wer'n't you out in the pastur' this afternoon?" asked the deacon,

-pointedly.

-

-"Yes," answered James, "Tom Wyman and I crossed the pasture."

-

-"With guns on your shoulders?"

-

-"Ye—es," admitted James.

-

-"Did you see anything of old Whitey?" continued the deacon, persevering

-in his pointed interrogations.

-

-"There were some cows there I remember; I suppose old Whitey was among

-them."

-

-"Did your gun go off while you were in the pasture?"

-

-"Ye—es, I believe it did. It went off accidentally."

-

-"And hit old Whitey?"

-

-"I don't know about that. It may not have hit anything."

-

-"Then you don't know that you hit my cow?"

-

-"I wasn't the only boy in the pasture this afternoon," said James,

-evasively.

-

-"I know all about that. Tom Wyman was with you."

-

-"Yes, and so was Mark Manning. He was out gunning most all the

-afternoon. Have you asked him whether he hit the cow?"

-

-"Yes," answered the deacon; "he says he didn't."

-

-"Of course he would say so," sneered James, more confidently. "He's just

-as likely to have done it as I."

-

-"That's what I thought myself," returned the deacon; "though Mark's a

-middlin' keerful boy. But I changed my mind."

-

-"Because he denied it?" asked James, with a return of the sneer.

-

-"Not exactly. There was a boy saw it done, and he told me who did it."

-

-"What boy saw it done?" asked James, all his apprehensions reviving.

-

-"John Downie."

-

-This was startling news to James.

-

-"And who does he say did it," he forced himself to ask.

-

-"You!" answered Deacon Miller, laconically.

-

-"I don't believe I did it," said James, wavering.

-

-"He says after you shot the cow, you and Tom Wyman ran away as fast as

-your legs could carry you," added the deacon, chuckling.

-

-James turned as red as scarlet, but said nothing. It was clear enough

-that he was guilty, and knew it.

-

-"Deacon Miller," said Squire Collins, "I will look into this matter, and

-if I find James shot your cow, we will make some arrangement about

-payment. Understand clearly, however, that I won't pay any fancy price,

-such as fifty dollars."

-

-"I won't argy the matter now, squire," said the deacon. "Good-evenin'."

-

-"James," said his father, "I won't scold you for a piece of

-carelessness, but whatever compensation is paid to the deacon must come

-from your account in the savings' bank."

-

-This was a sad blow to James, he had a hundred and fifty dollars in the

-bank, and this would make a heavy draft upon it.

-

-He went out into the yard without a word.

-

-"It's all up, Tom," he said. "John Downie has been telling tales about

-me. The first time I see him I'll give him a licking."

-

-"And serve him right, too, little tell-tale!" said Tom.

-

-Johnny did not expect what was in store for him, but he was soon to be

-enlightened.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                               CHAPTER X.

-                        MARK PROTECTS A FRIEND.

-

-

-SQUIRE COLLINS succeeded in reducing the deacon's claim to thirty-eight

-dollars, and this sum James was obliged to withdraw from his savings in

-the bank. He thought it was very hard, as the shooting was merely an

-accident. He was fond of money, scarcely less so than Deacon Miller

-himself, and it went to his heart to find himself so much poorer than

-before.

-

-"It isn't as if I got any fun out of it," he complained to Tom. "It's

-just money thrown away."

-

-"It is a heavy sum to pay for a trifling carelessness," admitted Tom.

-

-"And I shouldn't have had a cent to pay but for John Downie. Why need

-the boy turn tell-tale?"

-

-"It was mean."

-

-"Mean? I should say so. I mean to come up with the fellow. I mean to

-give him the worst licking he ever had."

-

-Even if Tom disapproved of the intention, he at any rate did not express

-any disapproval, but left it to be understood that he considered it

-perfectly proper.

-

-Three days later the opportunity came. Tom and James were crossing the

-pasture, which had been the scene of the tragedy, when John, whistling

-gayly, met them.

-

-"Now's my chance," said James, triumphantly. "There's the sneak that

-told of me. See how I'll serve him."

-

-John Downie, seeing the boys approaching, nodded his head, saying in a

-friendly manner, "hello!"

-

-"Oh, it's you, is it?" said James, in a hostile tone, stopping short.

-

-"Yes, it's me. Who did you think it was?" returned John, laughing.

-

-"I've been wanting to meet you, John Downie."

-

-"What for?" asked John. He could not help seeing now that the speaker

-spoke like an enemy.

-

-"To tell you that you are a sneak and a tell-tale."

-

-"What do you mean by that?" demanded John, beginning himself to be

-angry.

-

-"You ought to know without asking. Wasn't it you that told about my

-shooting old Whitey?"

-

-"Well, you did shoot her, didn't you?"

-

-"Suppose I did. You needn't have blurted it out."

-

-"The deacon charged Mark Manning with it. I wasn't going to see him

-suffer for it when I saw you do it."

-

-"You're a great friend of Mark Manning, it seems," said James, with a

-sneer.

-

-"Yes, I am; but, even if I hadn't been, I would have told. His mother is

-poor, and couldn't afford to pay for the cow."

-

-"She'll be poorer yet before long, I'm thinking," said James. "Do you

-know what I'm going to do to you?"

-

-"Perhaps you'll tell me," said John Downie, calmly.

-

-"I'm going to give you a licking."

-

-"If I'll let you."

-

-James laughed derisively; Johnny was two inches shorter than he, and so

-far as appearances went was not as strong. In a contest between the two,

-there was little doubt that James would come out the victor.

-

-"I don't think you'll have much to say in the matter," said James. "Just

-move out of the way, Tom, and give me a chance at him."

-

-Tom did as requested, and James rushed at John with an impetuosity born

-of anger. John prepared to defend himself. The boys were soon grappling,

-trying to trip each other up. Neither knew much of the science of

-fighting, and victory naturally came to the stronger. In about two

-minutes John was on his back, with James kneeling over him, aiming blows

-at his face.

-

-"I told you I'd give you a licking," said James, closing his teeth,

-firmly.

-

-"Oh, let him off, James," said Tom. "This ought to satisfy you."

-

-"But it doesn't. I'm going to give him a lesson he'll remember all his

-life."

-

-James undertook to belabor his fallen opponent, but he had been so

-preoccupied that he did not notice a boy running towards the scene of

-conflict, neither did Tom, who had his back turned.

-

-Luckily for John, Mark Manning was on his way to call upon the hermit,

-when he became an indignant witness of James's brutality. He said

-nothing, but fairly flew across the pasture till he reached the

-battle-field. The first intimation James had of his presence was a

-vigorous grasp of his coat collar, and in an instant he was lying on his

-back close to his late victim, with Mark standing over him.

-

-"I'm ashamed of you, James Collins," he said, sternly. "You're a

-contemptible coward to attack a smaller boy like Johnny."

-

-"Knock him over, Tom," shrieked James, furiously. "I'll give him a

-licking, too."

-

-"It doesn't look much like it," said Mark, with his knee on James's

-breast.

-

-"Help, Tom!" called James, struggling once more.

-

-Tom felt obliged to take an active part in the fight, though it was by

-no means to his taste. He seized Mark by the shoulders, and tried to

-drag him away from his prostrate friend, but by this time John Downie

-was on his feet, and ran forward, giving Tom a push which sent him

-headlong on the other side of James.

-

-"Let me up, you low ruffian!" screamed James.

-

-"Will you promise to behave yourself, then?"

-

-"I will promise nothing."

-

-"Then you can stay here a little longer. What made you attack Johnny?"

-

-"It's none of your business. I'll lick him as often as I please."

-

-"Not while I am around. Johnny, what made him attack you?"

-

-"He said I was a tell-tale, because I told of his shooting the cow."

-

-"And so you are! Let me up, Mark Manning."

-

-"Will you promise?"

-

-"No, I won't."

-

-"Let him up, Mark," said Johnny. "He won't dare to attack me while you

-are here."

-

-"No, I think not. Get up then, James, and take care how you pitch into

-Johnny again. Just as sure as you do, you'll have to settle accounts

-with me."

-

-Released from the pressure that held him down, James rose, angry and

-humiliated. He would sooner have been worsted by any one than Mark,

-whom, for some reason not easy to divine, he especially hated.

-

-"You took me at advantage," he said, sullenly, "or you couldn't have

-thrown me."

-

-"Do you want to try it again?" asked Mark, quietly. "Now we stand face

-to face, and you have as fair a chance as I."

-

-"I don't care to demean myself by fighting with such a low working boy

-as you."

-

-"I commend your prudence, James," said Mark, undisturbed by this taunt.

-"As for being a working boy, I am not ashamed of that."

-

-"You're only a common pegger."

-

-"Very true, I hope to rise higher some time."

-

-"You won't work much longer in my father's shop. I'll have you

-discharged."

-

-"Just as you please. I think I can earn a living in some other way.

-Come, Johnny, if James has no further business with you, we may as well

-go along."

-

-James, appearing to have no wish to resume hostilities, Mark and Johnny

-walked away.

-

-"You won't hear the last of this very soon," said James, as a farewell

-shot.

-

-"Do you think he'll get his father to discharge you, Mark?" asked

-Johnny.

-

-"I think very likely."

-

-"I am very sorry you have got into trouble on my account."

-

-"Don't worry, Johnny. I did right, and am ready to take the

-consequences."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XI.

-                          MARK IS DISCHARGED.

-

-

-THE next day Mark, with some misgivings, repaired to the shoe

-manufactory as usual. He knew he had done a bold thing in defending

-Johnny against his employer's son, but he never thought of regretting

-it.

-

-"I would do it again," he said to himself. "Catch me standing by and

-seeing Johnny whipped by any boy, no matter who he is."

-

-Mark laid aside his hat and coat, and went to his customary bench.

-

-He had been at work fifteen minutes only, when Mr. Waite, the head of

-the room, entered, and went up to where he was standing.

-

-"Mr. Collins wants to see you, Mark," he said.

-

-"Do you know what for, Mr. Waite?" Mark asked.

-

-"No, Mark, but I hope it is to raise your wages," said Mr. Waite,

-pleasantly, for he had always liked our hero.

-

-"I am afraid it is something quite different," said Mark, shaking his

-head.

-

-"No trouble, I hope, Mark?"

-

-"I can tell you better when I return."

-

-Mark put on his coat, and went downstairs to the office.

-

-Squire Collins was seated at a desk, with his spectacles astride his

-nose. He looked up as Mark entered.

-

-"Mr. Waite tells me you wish to see me, Mr. Collins," said Mark.

-

-"Yes," said the squire, frowning. "I presume you can guess what I want

-to see you about."

-

-"Perhaps so," answered Mark.

-

-"I understand that you made a violent attack upon my son James in the

-pasture, yesterday afternoon."

-

-"We did have a little difficulty," Mark admitted.

-

-"Ha! I am glad you confess it. James says you made an unprovoked attack

-upon him."

-

-"That is not quite true, Squire Collins; I was very much provoked."

-

-"Did my son attack you first?" demanded the squire, sharply.

-

-"No, sir."

-

-"So I thought. Then you have no excuse by your own confession."

-

-"I think I have an excuse."

-

-"I fail to understand what it can be. To me it appears like a

-high-handed outrage of which you were guilty."

-

-"I suppose James did not tell you what he was doing when I attacked

-him?"

-

-"No, I cannot remember that he did. What does that signify?"

-

-"He had John Downie upon the ground, and was beating him brutally."

-

-Squire Collins was somewhat nonplussed at this revelation, as James had

-said nothing about Johnny.

-

-"Well?" he said.

-

-"I ran up, and pulled him off, and prevented him from hurting Johnny."

-

-Squire Collins was rather embarrassed. He saw clearly that his son had

-been in the wrong, yet he was inclined to stand by him. Moreover, it

-chafed him that a poor boy should have presumed to interfere with his

-son, much more use violence towards him.

-

-He drew out his handkerchief and blew his nose, partly to gain time for

-consideration. At length he spoke.

-

-"My son feels very indignant at your presumption in assaulting him," he

-said, "and I wonder myself that you didn't see the impropriety of

-attacking the son of your employer."

-

-"Would you have had me stand by and see Johnny beaten?" asked Mark,

-indignantly.

-

-"I do not feel disposed to argue with you," said the squire, in a

-dignified tone. "I feel compelled to take some action in the matter

-though I regret it. I cannot, of course, retain you in my employ. You

-are discharged. I have made up your account to date, and here is the sum

-due you."

-

-"Very well, sir," answered Mark, quietly, though his heart sank within

-him.

-

-Squire Collins handed him a dollar and thirty-seven cents, and Mark,

-putting them into his pocket, bowed and withdrew.

-

-He went back to the room where his hat hung, and taking it down, said to

-his fellow-workmen:

-

-"Good-bye, boys, I shan't be with you any longer."

-

-"Why, Mark, what's the matter!" asked his next neighbor.

-

-"I'm discharged; that's all."

-

-"What for?"

-

-"I'll tell you some other time—not now."

-

-"Mark, I'm really sorry for this," said Mr. Waite, pressing his hand

-warmly. "I wish you good luck!"

-

-"Thank you, Mr. Waite," answered Mark, his lip quivering a little. "I

-will hope for the best."

-

-Mark walked home with a slow step. He dreaded to tell his mother of his

-discharge, for he knew that she would be still more depressed than

-himself. Youth is hopeful, but middle age is less sanguine.

-

-"I won't go home at once," thought Mark. "I will go to the wood and see

-the hermit. He may have some errand for me, and besides, he may be able

-to give me some advice."

-

-One object which Mark had, however, was to delay breaking the unwelcome

-news to his mother.

-

-He bent his steps towards the pasture, which he must cross in order to

-penetrate to the wood by the usual path.

-

-In a few minutes he entered the cabin, the door of which he found open.

-

-The hermit was no longer reclining, but was seated in a

-rocking-chair—the only article of luxury which the poor dwelling

-contained.

-

-"Good morning, sir!" said Mark. "I hope you are better."

-

-"I am much better. But how does it happen that you come here in the

-morning? I supposed you were at work in the shoe factory."

-

-"I have lost my place there; I was discharged this morning."

-

-"Ha! how is that?"

-

-Upon this Mark told the story of his encounter with the boys in the

-pasture.

-

-"I suppose," he concluded, "that James got me discharged in revenge for

-my interfering with him."

-

-"Then you regret what you did?" inquired the hermit.

-

-"No, I don't," answered Mark, warmly. "I couldn't stand by and see

-Johnny beaten."

-

-"You are right, and I respect you for what you did."

-

-"It is a grievous thing for me, though," said Mark. "It takes away my

-income, and I don't see how mother and I are going to live."

-

-"How much were you paid?"

-

-"About three dollars and a half a week. Sometimes I made a little more

-by over-work."

-

-"You have no occasion to be disturbed. I was about to propose that you

-should leave your place."

-

-Mark looked surprised.

-

-"I will take you into my own employ," added Anthony. "How long have you

-been coming to me?"

-

-"A week, sir."

-

-"You may retain five dollars in compensation from the money you hold of

-mine, and hereafter, as you will give me your whole time, you shall be

-paid at the rate of a dollar a day—that is, seven dollars a week."

-

-"But, sir, you are overpaying me," protested Mark, who thought this

-compensation magnificent.

-

-"Be it so. I can afford it. Let me know when you need more money."

-

-"I have still about fifteen dollars."

-

-"After paying yourself for the last week?"

-

-"Yes, sir. Can I do anything for you now?"

-

-"Yes. I feel like taking a walk. That shows I am better. You may come

-with me, and if I tire myself, I will lean upon your arm in returning."

-

-"With pleasure, sir. I am very glad that you feel better."

-

-"After all," mused the old man, "it is pleasant to have human sympathy.

-I thought I was able to do without it, but I am more dependent than I

-supposed."

-

-They walked for half an hour. When they returned to the cabin, the

-hermit said:

-

-"To-morrow morning I expect a visitor from the city. I wish you to meet

-him at the train, and conduct him here. He is a small man, with a sharp

-look, and will probably be dressed in black. In fact, he is my man of

-business. You need say nothing of this, however, but let people

-conjecture as they will."

-

-"And shall I speak of my arrangement with you, sir?"

-

-"You may merely say that I have engaged you to do my errands. I shall

-not require you again to-day."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XII.

-                      GOOD LUCK AFTER MISFORTUNE.

-

-

-MARK'S spirits were wonderfully improved when he left the hermit's

-cabin, and took his way homeward. So far from being injuriously affected

-by his discharge from the shoe-shop, his income was considerably

-increased. Not only this, but he had received five dollars for his past

-week's services over and above what he had been paid for his work in the

-shop.

-

-"Now," thought he. "I can tell mother without minding it."

-

-But his mother had already heard of it. A neighbor, Mrs. Parker, who

-rather enjoyed telling bad news, had heard of it through her son, who

-also worked in the work-shop.

-

-She at once left her work, and hurried over to Mrs. Manning's.

-

-"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," said the widow, cheerfully. "Take a chair,

-do."

-

-"Thank you, Mrs. Manning, I can't stop a minute. I left my kitchen at

-sixes and sevens, on purpose to condole with you. I declare, it's really

-too bad."

-

-"What is too bad? I don't understand you?" said Mrs. Manning, perplexed.

-

-"About your son Mark, I mean."

-

-"What has happened to him? Is he hurt?" asked the widow, with a pale

-face.

-

-"No, no; hasn't he been home?"

-

-"He is at the shoe-shop, of course."

-

-"No, he is not. He was discharged by Squire Collins this morning."

-

-"Discharged? What for?"

-

-"Don't you know? Some quarrel between Mark and James Collins, I

-believe."

-

-"I am glad he is not hurt."

-

-"But hasn't he been home? I wonder at that."

-

-"I have seen nothing of him since he started for the shop."

-

-"That's strange."

-

-"Poor boy! I suppose he doesn't like to tell me he is discharged,"

-sighed the widow. "It will be a serious thing for us, for I don't know

-where else he will find work."

-

-"O, something will turn up," said Mrs. Parker, who could bear the

-misfortunes of her neighbors very cheerfully. "But I must run home, or

-my dinner will be late."

-

-The more Mrs. Manning thought of Mark's loss of employment, the more

-troubled she felt. Three dollars and a half a week was not a large sum,

-but it was more than half their income, and how they were to make it up

-she could not conjecture. Perhaps she could induce Mark to apologize to

-James, in which case the squire might be induced to take him back. While

-her mind was busy with such thoughts, Mark entered the house whistling.

-His mother was considerably surprised at this evidence of

-light-heartedness under the circumstances.

-

-He entered the room where his mother was at work.

-

-"Well, mother, is dinner almost ready?" he asked.

-

-"It will be ready soon. But oh, Mark, what is this I hear about your

-being discharged from the shoe-shop?"

-

-"It is all true, mother, but you needn't worry over it. We shall get

-along just as well."

-

-"I don't see how. There is no other shop in the village."

-

-"I have another job already, and a better one."

-

-Mrs. Manning opened her eyes in astonishment.

-

-"What can it be?" she asked.

-

-"Old Anthony has hired me to do his errands."

-

-"I am afraid, Mark, that will amount to very little."

-

-"I am to receive five dollars a week."

-

-"Do you really mean this? I thought he was very poor."

-

-"Quite the contrary, mother, but we mustn't say that to others. Let

-people think he is poor. Here are five dollars which he has paid me for

-the last week, though I have worked in the shop, and done very little

-for it. Take it, mother, and use as you need it."

-

-"Will this last, Mark?" asked his mother, almost incredulously.

-

-"I think it will. The hermit seems to have taken a special fancy to me,

-and he says he can well afford to pay me this sum. I say, mother,

-suppose I invite him to take dinner with us next Sunday?"

-

-"With all my heart, Mark. He seems to me like a good Providence who has

-come to our help at this juncture."

-

-"Do you need anything at the store this afternoon?"

-

-"The butter and sugar are out, Mark."

-

-"Give me the five-dollar bill, then, mother, and I will buy some."

-

-Shortly after dinner Mark started for the store. On the way he met

-several persons who condoled with him on his loss of place. They were

-surprised to find that Mark looked cheerful, and even gay.

-

-"Yes," he said, "I've retired from the shoe business on a fortune."

-

-"You don't seem to mind it!"

-

-"No, I can stand it well enough, but I pity Squire Collins for losing my

-valuable services."

-

-"I thought you'd be down in the mouth. You don't seem to care."

-

-"Why should I? Care killed a cat."

-

-Arrived at the store, Mark stepped up to the counter and called for two

-pounds of sugar and two pounds of butter.

-

-Mr. Palmer, the grocer, had heard of Mark's dismissal, and being a

-cautious man, inquired:

-

-"Are you going to pay cash?"

-

-"Certainly."

-

-"I heard you had lost your place at the shop."

-

-"Yes," answered Mark, smiling, "I discharged Squire Collins."

-

-"It'll be rather hard on you, won't it?"

-

-"I guess I can pay my bills, Mr. Palmer. At any rate I can pay for what

-I am buying now."

-

-The grocer put up the packages, and was surprised when Mark handed him a

-five-dollar bill in payment.

-

-"Seems to me you're flush," he said.

-

-"So it seems," answered Mark, but he volunteered no information.

-

-"I can't make out that boy," said the grocer to his assistant, after

-Mark had gone out. "He looks as if he had got a good place instead of

-losing it. I wonder if the widder's got any money?"

-

-"Not much, except what Mark brings in."

-

-"They'll be asking credit soon, Enoch. Don't trust them till you've

-referred to me."

-

-"No, sir, I won't."

-

-On his way home Mark met the cause of his discharge, James Collins,

-accompanied as usual by his friend, Tom Wyman.

-

-"Hallo!" said James, eying Mark, triumphantly.

-

-"Hallo!"

-

-"Why ain't you at the shop?"

-

-"Probably you know."

-

-"Yes, I do know. You've been discharged."

-

-"I suppose I am indebted to your kindness for that."

-

-"Yes, you are. Perhaps now you will be sorry for your impertinence to me

-in the pasture."

-

-"When I am I'll tell you so. At present I am glad, and would do the same

-thing again."

-

-"How do you expect to live?"

-

-"On victuals and drink, thank you."

-

-"If you have money to buy them," supplemented James, with a malicious

-smile.

-

-"I've got a little money left," and Mark drew out not only his own but

-the hermit's money. "You see I don't depend on work in the shoe-shop."

-

-James was both amazed and annoyed.

-

-"Where did you get that money?" he asked abruptly.

-

-"I am afraid I must leave your curiosity ungratified. I'll tell you, as

-it may interest you, that I should have resigned my place in the shop at

-the end of the week, even if you hadn't kindly got me discharged."

-

-So saying, Mark walked away.

-

-"Where do you think he got that money, Tom?" said James.

-

-"Blamed if I know!"

-

-The next morning Mark walked to the depot to meet the morning train.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XIII.

-                        THE LITTLE MAN IN BLACK.

-

-

-WHEN the morning train arrived, Mark was on hand. He watched carefully

-for the man he was sent to meet. As it happened, the business agent was

-the last man to leave the train. He stepped upon the platform, and began

-to look about him.

-

-Mark advanced towards him, and raised his hat, politely.

-

-"Is this Mr. Hardy?" he asked.

-

-The small man regarded him sharply.

-

-"Yes," he answered. "Have you a message for me?"

-

-"Yes, sir. I am to conduct you to Mr. Taylor."

-

-"Just so. How is his health?"

-

-"He has had an attack of rheumatism, but is better."

-

-"No wonder he is sick, living in that out-of-the-way place. Do you know

-him well?"

-

-"Pretty well, sir. I am in his employ."

-

-"Ha! then he is living a little more as he should do. What is your

-name?"

-

-"Mark Manning."

-

-"M. M. Just so. Sounds like a fancy name. Is it?"

-

-"No, sir; it's all the name I have," said Mark smiling.

-

-"How long have you been in the employ of Mr. Taylor?"

-

-"Only a little over a week."

-

-"Do you know anything about his history?" demanded Mr. Hardy, with a

-sharp look of inquiry.

-

-"Yes, sir. He has told me something of it."

-

-"Humph! Then he must have confidence in you. Well, let us be starting.

-Is it far?"

-

-"Nearly two miles, sir. Perhaps you will be tired."

-

-"In which case you will perhaps kindly carry me on your shoulders,"

-suggested Mr. Hardy, quizzically.

-

-"I am afraid I shouldn't be able to do that," returned Mark, with a

-smile.

-

-"And yet, I don't believe I weigh much more than you. What is your

-weight?"

-

-"One hundred and twenty-three pounds."

-

-"And I weigh one hundred and twenty-four. I have one pound the advantage

-of you."

-

-Mark, who was a stout boy, was rather pleased to learn that he weighed

-within a pound as much as his companion. I suppose most boys are proud

-of their size.

-

-They had commenced their walk and Mark found that his new acquaintance

-was a fast walker.

-

-"Does Mr. Taylor ever have any visitors?" asked the lawyer, for such was

-his profession.

-

-"Not from the village, sir."

-

-"From any other quarter?" asked Hardy.

-

-"He had a call from his nephew, lately."

-

-"Lyman Taylor?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Then he has found his uncle's place of concealment. What do you know of

-the interview?"

-

-Mark gave an account of Lyman's visit, his demand for money, and his

-threatened violence.

-

-"Did he suppose his uncle had money?" inquired the lawyer, in an anxious

-tone.

-

-"He did not suppose he had much, but he wanted a part of it, however

-small."

-

-"Did he succeed in obtaining anything?"

-

-"Mr. Taylor told me to give him five dollars."

-

-"Why you?"

-

-"I had a sum of money belonging to the hermit, in my possession. I used

-to buy things for him in the village."

-

-"Then you think Lyman went away with the impression that my friend—the

-hermit, as you call him—had very little money?"

-

-"Yes, sir; I am sure of it."

-

-"Are you under the same impression?"

-

-"No, sir; Mr Taylor has told me that he is moderately rich."

-

-"That shows he has great confidence in you. Don't breathe a word of it,

-my boy, or this rascally nephew will persecute his uncle, and make his

-life a burden."

-

-"He will learn nothing from me," said Mark firmly.

-

-"You seem a good trustworthy boy—I think my friend made a good choice of

-a confidant."

-

-"Thank you, sir."

-

-At length they reached the cabin in the wood. Old Anthony was already

-outside, waiting for their coming.

-

-"Good morning, my friend," said the lawyer; "the boy tells me you have

-been sick——"

-

-"Yes, I have had a visit from my old enemy, but I am much better."

-

-"To be sick in such a place!" said the lawyer with a shudder.

-

-"I have not suffered, thanks to Mark—will you come in?"

-

-"Let us rather bring chairs outside, if you are provided with such

-luxuries. We shall have several matters to discuss."

-

-Mr. Hardy glanced significantly at Mark, who was leaning against a tree,

-and could of course hear the conversation.

-

-"Mark," said the hermit, "you may go farther away, but return in an

-hour. This gentleman and myself may have some things to speak of which

-are private."

-

-"Certainly, sir."

-

-"Well, old friend," Hardy began, "haven't you had enough of this strange

-existence? you are rich, and can afford all the comforts of life, yet

-you voluntarily surrender them, and bury yourself in this wilderness. Do

-you mean to stay here all your life?"

-

-"I did at one time think it probable, now I am beginning to feel a

-greater interest in life."

-

-"The boy tells me your nephew has found you out?"

-

-"Yes; he came here in quest of money, but he went away convinced that I

-was nearly as poor as himself. If he knew the truth I should be in

-constant danger of robbery, or worse——"

-

-"If you die without a will, is he not your heir?"

-

-"He would be, but I shall make a will. It is partly to give you

-instructions on this point that I have sent for you."

-

-"You have no one else to leave your money to?"

-

-"A part will go to charitable institutions, a part——"

-

-"Well?"

-

-"To one whom I hold in greater regard than my nephew—to the boy, who

-guided you hither."

-

-"Indeed! does he know anything of your purpose?"

-

-"Nothing, and need not."

-

-"You have taken a fancy to him?"

-

-"Yes; he is honest, manly, upright, just such a boy as I should have

-been glad to have for my son. Don't dissuade me, for the thought of

-doing something for him gives me a new interest in life."

-

-"I shall not dissuade you, Anthony, for I believe the boy to be all that

-you say. Of course if you had a blood relation who was deserving, I

-might make an objection. Has this boy relations?"

-

-"Only a mother, who is mainly dependent upon him. By the way, have you

-invested the sum paid in lately?"

-

-"No; but I have an application for it, or I should say, for four-fifths

-of it. Curiously, the applicant lives in this town."

-

-"Who is it?"

-

-"Collins, the shoe manufacturer."

-

-"I am surprised at this. I thought he was rich."

-

-"He has lost money by investments in stocks, and finds himself hard up."

-

-"What does he offer?"

-

-"Seven per cent, secured by a mortgage on his shop."

-

-"Let him have it."

-

-"Are you willing that your name should appear in the matter?"

-

-"No; I shall transfer the sum to Mark, and make you his trustee or

-guardian."

-

-"I understand. Is he to know of his good fortune?"

-

-"Not at present. The boy was discharged only yesterday from the shop of

-this Collins," added Anthony, smiling.

-

-"A good joke!" said the lawyer. "And now the boy lends him money. That

-is returning good for evil."

-

-"Without knowing it."

-

-"Precisely."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XIV.

-                         AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL.

-

-

-"THERE is a further sum of a thousand dollars," suggested the lawyer.

-"What is your pleasure in regard to that?"

-

-"The boy is to have that too. Deposit it in some savings' bank in your

-own name as his trustee."

-

-"That makes the boy worth five thousand dollars—a large gift."

-

-"Exactly, but I know of no better use for it."

-

-"He is to remain ignorant of this also?"

-

-"For the present, yes."

-

-"Now for your instructions concerning the will. I will note them down,

-and prepare the document for your signature."

-

-These directions were given, one-half of the hermit's property being

-left to certain specified charities, the remaining half to Mark Manning.

-

-The lawyer wrote in silence. Then, pausing, he said:

-

-"Will you allow me, in right of our long friendship, to make one

-suggestion?"

-

-"Surely, John."

-

-"Then let me ask if you are sure that there is no one having a rightful

-claim upon you, and who ought to be considered in this matter?"

-

-"Do you mean Lyman?"

-

-"By no means. He has forfeited any claim he may once have possessed."

-

-"Then what is your meaning?"

-

-"Are you sure that your daughter left no issue?"

-

-Anthony's brow contracted, not with anger but with pain. The old wound

-had not healed.

-

-"I never heard of any," he answered, after a pause.

-

-"Yet there may have been a child."

-

-"And if there were?"

-

-"It would be your grandchild," said the lawyer, firmly.

-

-"And his child," said the hermit, bitterly.

-

-"You should not impute that to the child for blame."

-

-"What would you have me do, old friend?"

-

-"Make provision for the child, if there should be one."

-

-"What would you suggest?" asked Anthony, slowly.

-

-"I don't wish to injure the boy; I would only suggest that charity

-begins at home. Divide your estate into thirds; give one-third to Mark,

-one to the child, if there be one, and one to charity."

-

-"I have no objection to that. But suppose there be no child living?"

-

-"Then divide that third between Mark and the charitable societies you

-have enumerated."

-

-"Wisely counseled, John, but why not give it to you?"

-

-"Because I am moderately rich already, and need nothing more. Then,

-also, it would work against my interest to find the child. I might turn

-out to be as wicked and unprincipled as most lawyers are said to be," he

-concluded, with a smile.

-

-"I have no fear of that. So that is your only objection—"

-

-"It isn't. Give it all to the boy in preference."

-

-"No, let it be as you proposed."

-

-"One thing more. Don't you think it is your duty to ascertain whether

-you have a grandchild? It may be living in poverty; perhaps in actual

-want."

-

-"You are right; I should have thought of that before. But what steps

-would you advise me to take?"

-

-"Send some trusted messenger to the last place where you have

-information that your daughter lived. Have you tidings of her husband?"

-

-"He died first. Both died of typhoid fever, as I learned."

-

-"Where did they die?"

-

-"At a small place in Indiana—Claremont, I think."

-

-"Then you should send there, and make inquiries. It would be well to go

-yourself, if you could bring yourself to do it."

-

-"But I couldn't."

-

-"Then send a trusted messenger."

-

-"I have none whom I could trust—except that boy."

-

-John Hardy looked thoughtful. He appeared to be pondering something.

-Finally he said: "Then send him. He is a boy, but he is faithful and

-discreet. Moreover, I could advise him."

-

-"Let it be so!"

-

-"Can you spare him?"

-

-"Yes, I am quite recovered, and he may not be gone many weeks. If I need

-help I can easily receive it."

-

-"I would suggest a delay of a week or two, or till the will is drawn up

-and signed, and some other business attended to."

-

-"I shall be guided entirely by your advice."

-

-"Now shall I leave you some money?"

-

-"No, I have enough to last for some time to come."

-

-"You don't keep it in this cabin, do you? It would be imprudent. You

-would be exposed to robbery."

-

-"No, I have a place of concealment in the woods. I shall go this

-afternoon, taking Mark with me, to draw from it. It is my bank."

-

-"The bank of the woods," suggested Hardy, laughing.

-

-"Yes."

-

-Presently Mark returned, and conducted the lawyer back to the station.

-Without the boy's remarking it, his elderly companion drew him out,

-weighed him mentally in the balance, and decided that his client was

-not, after all, rash in confiding in a mere boy.

-

-"He's smart and honest!" was his mental verdict.

-

-At the station, he handed Mark a card containing the address of his

-office.

-

-"Unless I am much mistaken," he said, "Mr. Taylor will have occasion to

-send you to my office in the city before long."

-

-"I shall be very glad to come," answered Mark, gladly. "I don't often

-get a chance to come to New York."

-

-The lawyer shook hands with Mark, and boarded the train.

-

-Turning to leave the station, Mark encountered the gaze of his two

-hunting companions, James Collins and Tom Wyman, fixed curiously upon

-him.

-

-"Who is that old file?" asked James, with his usual want of ceremony.

-

-"A gentleman from New York," answered Mark, briefly.

-

-"What's his name?"

-

-"John Hardy."

-

-"How did you run across him?"

-

-"I didn't; he ran across me."

-

-"How did you get acquainted with him?"

-

-"He asked me to be his guide. I walked about with him."

-

-"O, a tourist! Did he give you anything?"

-

-"No."

-

-"Then all your time and trouble was thrown away," sneered James.

-

-"I don't know about that. He invited me to call at his office when I

-came to the city."

-

-"That is hardly likely to do you any good. Business doesn't call you to

-the city very often."

-

-"That is true," said Mark, his temper undisturbed.

-

-"A quarter would have helped you more, especially now that you are out

-of work."

-

-"I am glad you sympathize with me, James. Perhaps you will ask your

-father to take me back into the shop?"

-

-"Not after the mean way in which you treated me. I swore I'd come up

-with you, and I have."

-

-"I hope you'll enjoy your revenge."

-

-"I do, you may be sure of that. If you had minded your own business, it

-would have been better for you."

-

-"I am not sure about that. It may surprise you, James, to hear that I

-wouldn't go back to the shop, if your father were to call and ask me to

-do so."

-

-"That's a likely story!"

-

-"Likely or not, it's true."

-

-"I suppose you have come into a fortune," said James, with a sneer.

-

-This was what had actually happened, but Mark had no more knowledge of

-his good fortune than James.

-

-Later in the day Mark presented himself at the cabin in the woods.

-

-"I thought you might have an errand for me," he said.

-

-"So I have," returned the hermit. "Take yonder spade and come with me."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XV.

-                           THE HERMIT'S BANK.

-

-

-MARK was considerably surprised by the order he had received. What was

-he do with a spade? They were in the woods, and there was no arable land

-near. However, Mark was sensible enough to understand that it was his

-duty to obey, not to question.

-

-"All right, sir!" he said, but there was a wonder in his look which old

-Anthony noticed with a smile. However, he did not immediately throw any

-light on the mystery.

-

-They walked possibly a quarter of a mile till they reached a

-comparatively open space near the center of which stood a tall tree.

-

-"We will stop here," said Anthony.

-

-Mark lowered the spade, which he had been carrying on his shoulder, and

-waited further instructions.

-

-Old Anthony produced a compass to make sure of his bearings, and a tape

-measure. One end of this he gave to Mark, saying: "Stand by the tree."

-

-Mark, wondering as much as ever, took his position beside the tree.

-

-"A little more on that side!" was the next direction.

-

-When Mark was placed to suit him, Anthony took the other end of the tape

-measure, and measured due east sixteen feet.

-

-"Yes," he said musingly, "this must be the spot."

-

-Marking the spot with a stone, he said:

-

-"Bring the spade to me, Mark."

-

-Mark did so.

-

-"I suppose you wonder what I am going to do?" said the hermit with a

-smile.

-

-"Yes, sir," Mark admitted.

-

-"This is my bank," explained Anthony.

-

-Mark wondered whether the hermit was in his right mind. He stood by

-curious and attentive, while Anthony began to disturb the soil, throwing

-up one spadeful of dirt after another.

-

-He continued at his task for ten minutes, and then desisted.

-

-"I get fatigued easily," he said; "here, Mark, take your turn."

-

-Mark took the spade, and continued the excavation. He was young and

-strong, and bore the fatigue better than his employer. At length he felt

-the spade striking something hard.

-

-"I have struck something," he said.

-

-"Very well, now proceed more carefully, so as not to break the vessel.

-Uncover it, and then I will tell you what to do——"

-

-The hole was now about eighteen inches deep. Mark cleared away some of

-the dirt, and disclosed an earthen pot which appeared to be provided

-with a cover.

-

-"What shall I do now?" he asked.

-

-"Stoop down, and remove the cover, and take out what you find inside."

-

-Mark got down on his knees, and bending over, accomplished what was

-asked of him. To his surprise he saw that the bottom of the pot was

-covered with gold pieces.

-

-"Take them out, and hand them to me," said old Anthony.

-

-"All of them, sir?"

-

-"Yes, I may as well remove them to another place. Besides the balance

-must be small."

-

-The hermit counted the gold pieces, as they were placed in his hands.

-

-"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left!" he said.

-

-To Mark this seemed considerable, though it was evident the pot would

-have contained, if full, many times as much.

-

-"What shall I do with the pot?" asked Mark.

-

-"You can leave it where it is. Anyone is welcome to it, now that it is

-empty. Put the cover on, and some one will one day stumble upon

-treasure."

-

-Mark filled up the hole, and disposed leaves over it so as to conceal

-the work that had been done.

-

-"Very well done, Mark! The last time I did all the work myself, but that

-was before I had the rheumatism. It has stiffened my joints, and

-weakened me as I find. Now let us go back."

-

-Mark once more shouldered the spade, and the two walked back side by

-side.

-

-"I may as well explain how I came to deposit my money there," said old

-Anthony. "I was sensible that it would be dangerous to leave a large sum

-in my cabin, and it was not convenient or agreeable for me to make

-visits to the city from time to time to draw money from my agent. I was

-in the habit of going but once in a year or two, and then bringing with

-me enough to last me for a considerable period. I could, of course, have

-hidden my money under the flooring of my cabin, but that is the very

-place where burglars would have searched, had they done me the honor to

-look upon me as a miser, hiding concealed treasures. It was for this

-reason that I selected a hiding-place so far away from my dwelling.

-Fearing that I might forget the exact place, I chose a particular tree

-as a guide, and then measured a distance of sixteen feet due east. Of

-course there would be no danger of my mistaking the place then."

-

-"Somebody might have seen you digging there, sir."

-

-"True; I used to go early in the morning when no one was likely to be in

-the wood. Besides, I carefully looked about me before beginning to dig,

-to make all secure."

-

-"We didn't look about us this afternoon."

-

-"No, it was not necessary. There is no money left, and as for the

-earthen pot, any one is welcome to it, who will take the trouble to dig

-for it. I fancy it would hardly repay the labor."

-

-"There is still considerable gold; are you not afraid of being robbed?"

-

-"There is a chance of it. I shall therefore give you half of it to keep

-for me."

-

-"I am glad you have so much confidence in my honesty, Mr. Taylor. But I

-hope that no one will suspect that I have so much money, or I might be

-attacked."

-

-"Better give the greater part to your mother to lock up in a trunk or

-bureau drawer."

-

-"I think I will, sir. It seems odd to have you choose me as a banker,

-Mr. Taylor."

-

-"I don't think I shall have any cause to repent it, Mark."

-

-"Nor I, so far as honesty goes, but I might be robbed."

-

-"We will take our chance of that."

-

-                                -------

-

-Mark and his employer supposed themselves alone when they were engaged

-in disinterring the golden treasure, but they were mistaken. Two pairs

-of very curious eyes watched them from behind a clump of bushes. These

-eyes belonged to James Collins and Tom Wyman.

-

-They were in the wood with their guns, looking for squirrels, when they

-saw the approach of Mark and the hermit.

-

-"I wonder what they are going to do," said James. "Mark has got a

-spade."

-

-"I don't know. Suppose we hide, and then we'll find out."

-

-This proposal struck James favorably, and they concealed themselves

-behind a clump of low trees, as already described. With eager eyes they

-watched the preliminary measurement, and the subsequent excavation.

-

-"The old man's a miser," whispered James. "He's got gold hidden there."

-

-"Just what I think," responded Tom, also in a whisper.

-

-"I wonder if there's much."

-

-"Hush! We'll soon see."

-

-They were not near enough to hear what passed between Mark and Anthony,

-but they saw the gold coins which the boy passed to his employer. Then

-they saw the dirt replaced, and the spot made to look as before.

-

-When Mark and Anthony had gone, they emerged from their hiding-place,

-eager and excited.

-

-"Well," said James, drawing a long breath, "we've found the hermit's

-secret. He must be a miser. I wonder how much more gold there is in the

-hole."

-

-"Thousands of dollars, very likely," said Tom, who had a vivid

-imagination. "You know it doesn't take a very big pile of gold to make a

-thousand dollars."

-

-"Mark Manning is pretty thick with old Anthony. He trusts him more than

-I would."

-

-"Mark'll rob him someday. See if he don't."

-

-"I shouldn't wonder. I say, Tom, don't you tell a living soul of what

-we've seen this afternoon. If Mark steals the money, we can expose him.

-He little thinks we know his secret."

-

-Tom agreed to this, and the two boys went home. When they next saw Mark,

-they regarded him with a knowing look that puzzled him.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XVI.

-                  LYMAN TAYLOR GAINS SOME INFORMATION.

-

-

-WHEN Lyman Taylor left his uncle and returned to the city, he felt that

-his visit had been a failure. His traveling expenses had amounted to

-about two dollars, and he only carried back five dollars with him. Added

-to this, his prospects of remunerative employment were by no means

-brilliant. To work, indeed, he was an enemy, and always had been.

-

-"Blessed if I know how I'm coming out," he said to himself, ruefully;

-"if Uncle Anthony had showed any enterprise, he ought to be well off,

-and able to lend me a helping hand. Instead of which he is settled down

-in a tumble-down shanty in the woods, and isn't doing any good to

-anybody."

-

-Lyman resented it as a wrong done to himself that his uncle was not in a

-condition to help him.

-

-If he were only living in the city now, he might quarter himself upon

-him. As matters stood, it was out of the question. It made him shudder

-to think of becoming a joint tenant of the lonely cabin, with nothing to

-look to but the homely fare, which no doubt contented his uncle.

-

-"I shall have to shift for myself," he reflected with a sigh; "I always

-was unlucky. Other fellows are born with a silver spoon in their mouths,

-and have rich fathers or uncles to provide for them, while I may go to

-the poorhouse for all the help I am likely to get from Uncle Anthony."

-

-Arrived in New York, however, his prospects rose a little. He met an old

-acquaintance on the Bowery, and turned into a billiard saloon, where he

-succeeded in a series of games in raising his small capital to ten

-dollars.

-

-This gave him a hint of a new way to make a living—a way, as he

-considered, infinitely preferable to a life of toil. Henceforth he

-frequented billiard saloons, and occasionally varied his pleasant labors

-by a game of cards. In spite, however, of his praiseworthy efforts to

-make an honest livelihood, there came a time when he was reduced to his

-last quarter of a dollar.

-

-He was sitting moodily in a cheap downtown hotel, when he was addressed

-by a bearded man dressed in rough miner's costume, a type of man more

-frequently met in California or Colorado, than in an Atlantic city.

-

-"Have a cigar, stranger?" asked the bearded man socially.

-

-"Thank you; I don't care if I do," said Lyman with alacrity.

-

-"I'm a stranger in York," said the other, "only arrived yesterday.

-You've got a right smart city here; beats 'Frisco higher'n a kite!"

-

-"Do you come from San Francisco?" asked Lyman with interest.

-

-"I'm from Californy—was up in the mines mostly."

-

-"Did you have much luck?"

-

-"Wal, I made two or three piles, an' lost 'em agin. However, I've got a

-little left. I've always wanted to see York, and thought I might as well

-come on and see it before I lost the last."

-

-"I'm glad to meet you," said Lyman, who was speculating as to whether he

-couldn't make a little something out of his new friend, before his

-"pile" was wholly reduced in size. "I'm an old Californian myself."

-

-"You don't say so? when was you there?"

-

-Lyman mentioned the time, and the country where he had courted fortune.

-

-"You don't say, stranger?" returned the miner. "Why, I was at that

-identical place myself. I bought a mine—leastways me and my partner

-did—of an old man, named Taylor."

-

-"Anthony Taylor?" asked Lyman, eagerly.

-

-"That was the old fellow's name. Did you know him, stranger?"

-

-"I should say I did. He is my uncle. Did you—pay much for the claim?"

-

-"We paid five thousand dollars cash down."

-

-Lyman Taylor whistled in amazement.

-

-"Was it worth it?" he added.

-

-"We took out ten thousand dollars, and I heerd that the old man took out

-as much before selling it to us."

-

-"What month did you buy it?" asked Lyman, breathless.

-

-"Let me see, it was in September. You seem to be interested, stranger?"

-

-"I should say I was. That claim was half mine, and my uncle never gave

-me a cent of the purchase money."

-

-"Where were you all the time?"

-

-"I left in disgust, for we'd worked a long time without making it pay."

-

-"You left too soon. The old man struck it rich some time early in

-August, and carried away ten thousand dollars, besides what we gave him.

-We didn't make so much of a spec, for too much had been taken out

-already. Where is your uncle now?"

-

-"Living in the country. I went up to see him two or three weeks since."

-

-"How's he fixed? Did he hang on to his pile?"

-

-"He's hanging on to it now," answered Lyman, with an oath. "He made out

-he was poor, and sent me off with a beggarly five-dollar note."

-

-"Perhaps he's lost his money."

-

-"More likely he's keeping it out of the way. He ought to give me half he

-made out of the claim."

-

-"I don't know about that, stranger. You gave up and left, and all he

-made afterwards, went of right to him."

-

-Lyman Taylor, however, did not regard the matter in that light.

-Discreetly losing sight of the circumstances under which he left his

-uncle, carrying off all the gold dust he had then accumulated, he

-persuaded himself that he had suffered a great wrong in not having

-shared in the subsequent rich development.

-

-"Just my luck!" he said to himself, moodily.

-

-"If I'd only waited a couple of months I'd have left California a rich

-man. How was I to guess how the claim was going to pan out. I didn't

-think Uncle Anthony would have treated me so meanly. I wonder how much

-he's got left?"

-

-This was an interesting subject of consideration, but unfortunately,

-Lyman had no data to go upon; or, rather, what data he had, were not

-calculated to favor the presumption that his uncle was a rich man.

-

-It did not look very likely that a rich man, or even one moderately

-well-to-do, would voluntarily make his home in a poor cabin, like that

-which old Anthony occupied.

-

-Lyman began to fear that his uncle had managed to lose by bad

-investments the money he had obtained from the claims, and was really as

-poor as appearances would seem to indicate.

-

-"Are you livin' in this hotel?" asked the miner.

-

-"I'm not living anywhere in particular," answered Lyman. "Fact is, I'm

-rather down on my luck. There are no 'piles' to be made in New York."

-

-"I've been there myself, stranger. Here, take this, and pay it back when

-it's convenient."

-

-Lyman eagerly accepted the twenty-dollar gold piece offered him by his

-liberal new acquaintance, and leading the way to the bar, they cemented

-their new-born friendship by a drink in true California style. He then

-proposed a game of cards, but the miner declined.

-

-"I never cared much for keerds," he said. "Excuse me! I don't mind

-playing a game of pool if you're agreeable."

-

-When the two parted, they were sworn friends. Lyman, however, found that

-his miner friend had all his wits about him, and that the twenty dollar

-loan was all he was likely to extract from him.

-

-"I must make another visit to that uncle of mine," said Lyman to

-himself, as he sauntered down the Bowery. "He ought to pay me half the

-money he got for that claim."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XVII.

-                         ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD.

-

-

-KEEN on the scent of anything likely to turn to his own advantage, Lyman

-Taylor arranged the very next day to make a second visit to Pocasset,

-and find out definitely, if possible, whether his uncle had saved any of

-the large sum which his claim had yielded him.

-

-He hardly knew what to think. Anthony was not the man to waste money on

-extravagant living, but then he might have made poor investments, and

-reduced himself to a pittance. Cases of that kind were common enough in

-California, as Lyman knew well enough.

-

-He preferred, however, to think that his uncle had turned miser, and was

-still the possessor of a handsome fortune. In that case, as the only

-near relative, it ought to come to him some day.

-

-"Let me see," he mused, "how old is Uncle Anthony! Fifty-nine!" he

-resumed, after a mental calculation. "That isn't very old, but he looks

-a good deal older. He is about played out—a physical wreck," he

-reflected, complacently, "and may not live a year.

-

-"In that damp cabin it could not be expected. Of course it's his own

-lookout. If he chooses to live there, I don't see that it's any of my

-business. I ought to come to a friendly understanding with him, and get

-him to recognize me as his heir. I dare say he's got his money hidden

-away in some out-of-the-way place. It would be a sorry joke if he should

-die, and it shouldn't be found."

-

-Lyman shuddered uneasily, as he thought of this contingency.

-

-"He ought to place his money in charge of some competent manager," he

-resumed. "I'd take care of it myself, and save him all business cares,

-if he'd let me."

-

-Lyman did not appreciate the absurdity of this plan. Few persons think

-themselves unfit to be trusted with money. What he thought of his own

-honesty can only be conjectured. Probably he did not regard himself with

-the eyes of those who knew him.

-

-Such thoughts were passing through the mind of the hermit's nephew, as

-he was traveling from New York to Pocasset. Arrived at the depot, he set

-out for the village at a brisk pace.

-

-Presently he espied in advance of him a couple of boys, whose figures

-looked familiar. It did not take him long to recall the two boys he had

-met in the pasture on his former visit. Of course they were James and

-Tom.

-

-"Just the ones I want to see," he said to himself. "I may get some news

-from them."

-

-He quickened his pace, and soon overtook them.

-

-"Good morning, young gentlemen!" he said, urbanely. "I believe we have

-met before."

-

-The boys turned around. They, too, recognized him.

-

-"Yes, sir," answered James. "You are old Anthony's nephew."

-

-"The same! I am glad you remember me. Have you seen or heard of my uncle

-lately?"

-

-"Yes; we saw him yesterday in the wood."

-

-"Has he recovered from his rheumatic attack?"

-

-"I guess so," said Tom. "He is looking pretty well now."

-

-"I came down to inquire his condition. I am his only relative, and

-though he is prejudiced against me, I can't help feeling anxious about

-his health. Can you tell me anything about him?"

-

-"He has that boy, Mark Manning, about him all the time."

-

-"What can be the boy's object in keeping company with a poor old man,

-who has no way of rewarding him?"

-

-"I am not so sure about that," said James.

-

-"About what?" asked Lyman, quickly.

-

-"About his being poor."

-

-"Have you any reason to think my uncle has money?" asked Lyman, eagerly,

-fixing a sharp glance of inquiry on the speaker.

-

-James looked at Tom, as if to consult him about the propriety of telling

-what he knew.

-

-"As I am his nephew and only relation, and—heir," continued Lyman, "you

-can freely tell me anything you have found out."

-

-"Would you?" asked James, turning to his companion.

-

-"I don't see why not," returned Tom.

-

-"Then," said James, who rather enjoyed the prospect of telling the

-story, "I'll tell you what I saw the other day—that is, Tom and I."

-

-"Yes, yes, what did you see?" interrupted Lyman, eagerly.

-

-"We were out in the woods about a quarter of a mile from the hermit's

-cabin, when we all at once heard voices. Slipping behind a tree we saw

-old Anthony and Mark coming along. Mark had a spade over his shoulder.

-We wondered what it all meant, and so kept hidden. Well, the two came up

-to a big tree, and then measured with a tape measure to a place about a

-rod distant. Then old Anthony took the spade and began to dig. But I

-guess he got tired, for pretty soon he gave the spade to Mark, and got

-him to dig."

-

-"Well?" ejaculated Lyman, who was listening with intense interest.

-

-"Pretty soon he struck something hard. It turned out to be an earthen

-pot with a cover."

-

-"Did they take it up?"

-

-"No; but Mark took off the cover, and then took out, oh, such a lot of

-gold pieces."

-

-"Just what I thought!" exclaimed Lyman, in excitement. "I was sure my

-uncle kept his money hidden in the ground somewhere. Do you know how

-much money he took out of the jar?"

-

-"There must have been hundreds of dollars—maybe a thousand."

-

-"And what then?"

-

-"The cover was put on again, and then Mark filled up the hole, and

-covered it with leaves, so that nobody would think the ground had been

-disturbed, then they went away."

-

-"That shows there must be more money there, don't you think so?"

-

-"Of course, or they wouldn't have taken so much trouble to cover it up

-again," answered James, readily.

-

-"You are right. I see you are sharp. What a fine detective you would

-make!"

-

-James looked pleased at this compliment, and it inclined him in favor of

-the appreciative stranger.

-

-"Do you think," asked Lyman, after a pause, "you could find the spot

-again?"

-

-"Yes, I guess so. Why?"

-

-"I should like to go there."

-

-"But," objected James, cautiously, "what would you do if you found it?"

-

-"I would dig down and find the jar."

-

-"But you would have no right to do that; the money belongs to old

-Anthony."

-

-"Who is my uncle. But you are mistaken. I don't want to take it. I want

-to see if the gold is still there."

-

-"Why shouldn't it be?"

-

-"Because," answered Lyman, with a lucky thought, "the boy knows where it

-is. What is to prevent his going there by himself and carrying off all

-there is. My uncle would have no proof that it was he."

-

-"I never thought of that," said James, quickly. "It would be just like

-Mark."

-

-"Do you think he is honest?"

-

-"I wouldn't answer for him. He is a poor boy."

-

-"Exactly, and the gold would be a great temptation. As the legal heir of

-Uncle Anthony, I think I ought to look into the matter. Suppose my uncle

-should die, wouldn't this Mark get the money, even if he hasn't done it

-already, and no one would be the wiser?"

-

-"Of course!" James readily assented. "What do you want us to do?"

-

-"Lead me to the place, and let me see for myself if the money is still

-there."

-

-"Shall we, Tom?"

-

-"I think it would be only fair."

-

-"Then come along. I'll get a spade from the house as we pass."

-

-The spade was obtained, and the three set out for the wood.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XVIII.

-                        LYMAN'S DISAPPOINTMENT.

-

-

-JAMES was not without his share of curiosity, and he was strongly

-desirous of seeing with his own eyes the pot of gold, and so learning

-how rich the hermit was.

-

-Prejudiced as he was against Mark, he did not really believe the boy

-would appropriate money that did not belong to him, though it would have

-been a satisfaction to him to find that his enemy was in a scrape.

-

-"That boy, Mark, seems to be an artful young rascal," Lyman Taylor

-remarked, as they were walking along together.

-

-"He is all of that," said James, emphatically.

-

-"My uncle is old, and his mind is weak. He is very likely to be

-influenced by a sharp, unprincipled boy."

-

-"It's lucky you came down here to watch him."

-

-"That depends on whether I am able to put a spoke in his wheel."

-

-"Do you know whether your uncle has much money?"

-

-"I don't know, positively, but I have heard he was very successful in

-California."

-

-"If he is rich, I shouldn't think he would live in such a tumble-down

-cabin," said Tom.

-

-"Perhaps he has become a miser. His burying money looks like it."

-

-They entered the wood, and as the boys knew their way all over it, they

-were able to go straight to the tree.

-

-"It was from this tree that old Anthony measured," said James.

-

-"Can you tell in what direction?" inquired Lyman, anxiously.

-

-"This way, I am sure."

-

-"Do you know how far?"

-

-"Not exactly, but we can tell by seeing where the ground has been

-disturbed."

-

-Lyman Taylor took the spade and began to dig vigorously. Such hard work

-was not generally to his taste, but now he was spurred by a powerful

-motive.

-

-He would not have been sorry, now that he had obtained the information

-he required, if the boys had left him to work alone. But this they had

-no intention of doing. They were very curious to see the treasure

-unearthed, and ascertain how much there was.

-

-At length, the spade struck the earthen pot.

-

-"I've touched it!" exclaimed Lyman, triumphantly.

-

-He worked with redoubled energy, and soon laid bare the buried vessel.

-

-The boys drew near, eagerly, and looked into the hole.

-

-Lyman threw himself down upon his knees, and removed the cover of the

-jar. No sooner had he done so, when he uttered a fierce cry of

-disappointment.

-

-"Boys," he said, looking up with haggard face, "there's nothing there!"

-

-"No gold in the jar?" asked James, with a blank look.

-

-"Not a particle. Are you sure there was any left?"

-

-"We couldn't see, but it stands to reason that it would not have been so

-carefully covered up unless there had been some left."

-

-"You are right there. Now, what has become of it?"

-

-"Can Mark have taken it?" said James, turning to Tom.

-

-"I don't know," answered Tom, doubtfully.

-

-"That's just what happened. I'd like to wring the young rascal's neck,"

-said Lyman, fiercely.

-

-"What are you going to do about it?" asked James, curiously.

-

-"I say, boys, it's pretty hard luck," complained Lyman, "to see yourself

-robbed by an artful young scoundrel. He's just taken in Uncle Anthony by

-his artful ways, and is laying a trap for his money."

-

-"I see now," said James, quickly. "That's what he meant by not caring

-about losing his place in my father's shop."

-

-"I'll go and warn my uncle against him," said Lyman. "Boys, will you

-show me the shortest way to the cabin?"

-

-"Certainly, with pleasure."

-

-Pleased with the idea of getting Mark into a scrape, James guided the

-disappointed nephew to the hermit's dwelling.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XIX.

-                      THE HERMIT RECEIVES A CALL.

-

-

-OLD Anthony was sitting in his doorway, thoughtfully smoking a pipe,

-when, chancing to lift his eyes, his gaze fell upon the figure of his

-nephew advancing towards the cabin. It was a surprise, and not a

-pleasant one. He could not divine Lyman's object in making this second

-visit.

-

-"How are you getting along, Uncle Anthony?" inquired Lyman, in a

-conciliatory tone.

-

-"Have you come all the way from New York to ask me that question?" said

-the hermit, dryly.

-

-"Well, not altogether. Still, I wanted to know whether you were better."

-

-"I have got over my rheumatic attack," said Anthony, shortly.

-

-"I'm very glad. At your age it must be uncomfortable to be

-sick—especially in such a place. Can't I persuade you to come to New

-York, and take comfortable lodgings?"

-

-"Why should you desire it? Perhaps you would propose to live with me?"

-

-"And if I did, being your only relative, it would be natural enough.

-With your means——"

-

-"What do you know of my means?" demanded the hermit, sharply.

-

-"I have reason to think you are better off than your position would

-indicate," announced Lyman, watching the effect of the assertion on his

-uncle.

-

-"What reason?" inquired Anthony.

-

-"Well, I know you were very successful in California—after I left you.

-You struck it rich, made a great deal of money, and then sold the claim

-for a good round sum."

-

-Anthony's countenance did not change, though the communication was by no

-means a welcome one.

-

-"How much of this money do you think I have now?" he asked, at length.

-

-"I don't know."

-

-"And I don't propose to tell you."

-

-"I know you have some of it!"

-

-"Very possibly. I cannot live for nothing."

-

-"And I know where you keep it," added Lyman, provoked by his uncle's

-manner.

-

-"Indeed!"

-

-"But I can't commend your prudence in putting your money where it is so

-likely to be found—and taken."

-

-"Be a little more explicit. Let me know just what you mean."

-

-"Burying money in the ground is not very wise."

-

-Old Anthony was taken by surprise, and showed it.

-

-"So you know this? Where did you obtain the information?" he asked.

-

-"From some one who saw you and the boy, Mark, digging for it."

-

-"Well," said the old man, quietly, "I know of no better place. People

-are honest round here, and it will not be taken."

-

-"I agree with you there, Uncle Anthony. It won't be taken for a very

-good reason. There is none there. The jar is empty."

-

-"How do you know this, Lyman?" demanded the hermit, with a searching

-look.

-

-Lyman hesitated, but it seemed necessary to tell the truth.

-

-"Because, when I learned that you had been so imprudent as to let the

-boy into your secret, I concluded at once that he would take advantage

-of his knowledge, and rob you. I therefore uncovered the place, and

-found it as I suspected. The jar is empty."

-

-Old Anthony betrayed no excitement on hearing this.

-

-"It is quite true," he said, quietly. "All the gold has been taken."

-

-"You knew this?"

-

-"Certainly. I took the last gold piece myself. Having no occasion for

-the jar, I left it there. You are certainly very kind to take so much

-interest in the safety of my property, but it is needless. I am still

-able to take care of what money I have left."

-

-Lyman's face fell. He began to suspect that this was only too true.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XX.

-                          HOW LYMAN SUCCEEDED.

-

-

-"I AM afraid you misjudge me, Uncle Anthony," said Lyman, after a pause,

-during which he reflected that his best course was, if possible, to make

-a favorable impression upon the relative who might be in possession of

-considerable property. "I am afraid that you are prejudiced against me."

-

-"You must admit that I have reason," said his uncle, dryly.

-

-"It is true," replied Lyman, with an engaging frankness; "I did not

-treat you well in California."

-

-"I should say not. You disappeared, carrying away two thousand dollars,

-leaving me penniless."

-

-"Of course I was wrong. Still you had the claim, out of which you made a

-good deal more within a short time."

-

-"When you left me," said the hermit, quietly, "it looked as if it were

-worthless. That it proved otherwise, was my good fortune."

-

-"I won't argue the matter, Uncle Anthony. I was young and heedless."

-

-"Wicked would be a better word."

-

-"And I have had bad luck; I am almost penniless now. If you would be

-willing to help me——"

-

-"To what extent do you want help?" asked Anthony, abruptly.

-

-"If you could lend me fifty dollars, it would set me on my feet."

-

-"And in a week or two you would be coming back for more."

-

-"Upon my honor——"

-

-"How much honor have you?" asked his uncle, contemptuously. "Would you

-like to go West?"

-

-"Yes."

-

-"Then I will give you the means of getting there."

-

-Lyman was under the impression that his uncle proposed to hand him a sum

-of money, out of which he decided to buy a western ticket if it suited

-his convenience; Uncle Anthony would be none the wiser.

-

-"Yes, uncle, if you will give me a hundred dollars, I will go to

-Chicago, and seek there a chance to make an honest livelihood."

-

-"Very well."

-

-Old Anthony took out a memorandum book, tore a leaf from it, and wrote a

-few lines, which he handed to his nephew.

-

-"What is this?" asked Lyman, suspiciously.

-

-"It is an order on a friend of mine in New York for a Chicago railroad

-ticket."

-

-"And the money?"

-

-"He will give you an order on a firm in Chicago for the balance of the

-money, which will be paid you there."

-

-Lyman's countenance fell. It was clear that the trick which he intended

-to play on his uncle would be impossible.

-

-"It seems to me," he said, "it would be better to give me the money at

-once."

-

-"I don't think so."

-

-"I hope you have no suspicions of my good faith."

-

-"I won't express my opinion on that subject. I will only say that the

-arrangement I have suggested suits me best."

-

-"Well," said Lyman, slowly, "I will try to win your good opinion. I am

-afraid I have not money enough to get back to the city."

-

-He had over ten dollars in his pocket at that moment, but it struck him

-that he had a good excuse for securing a little more.

-

-The hermit smiled contemptuously.

-

-"Then suppose I had had no money to give you—how would you have got back

-to the city? Perhaps you meant to stay with me?"

-

-"I will, Uncle Anthony, if you desire it."

-

-"Thank you. I won't trouble you."

-

-"I should have had to walk back. But, uncle, I can't leave you without a

-word of warning."

-

-"Well?"

-

-"That boy, Mark, I am sure is scheming to rob you."

-

-"What do you know of Mark?"

-

-"I know the reputation he bears in the town. I know he has been

-discharged from the shoe-shop."

-

-"Who told you?"

-

-"Two boys whom I met. One is the son of Mark's employer."

-

-"I know the boys you mean. They dislike Mark, but I prefer him to them."

-

-A noise was heard at the door, and Mark entered.

-

-He looked in surprise at the visitor, whom he instantly recognized.

-

-"You see, Mark," said the hermit, "my nephew has kindly called to see me

-again. He felt anxious about my health."

-

-"I feel relieved to find you so much better, uncle," said Lyman, by no

-means abashed at the hermit's ironical words.

-

-"It is the more creditable to him, this solicitude, because he had only

-money enough to pay his fare one way. Mark, you may give him five

-dollars."

-

-"Very well, sir,"

-

-Mark drew a five-dollar gold piece from his pocket, and handed it to

-Lyman.

-

-"Does Mark carry all your money, uncle?" asked Lyman.

-

-"Not quite all."

-

-"I hope he won't take a fancy to travel at your expense."

-

-Mark's face flushed indignantly, but he left old Anthony to answer for

-him.

-

-"I have perfect confidence in Mark," he said.

-

-"Thank you, sir," Mark responded, gratefully.

-

-"Have you anything for me to do this morning?" the boy asked.

-

-"No; I will give you a list of articles which you may bring me from the

-village to-morrow."

-

-"Then I will return, as I have some work to do at home."

-

-"Very well."

-

-"I will go along with you, Mark," said Lyman, suddenly.

-

-"If you wish," answered Mark, but he would rather have gone alone.

-

-"Good-by, Uncle Anthony. It may be a good while before I see you again.

-If you need me at any time, write or telegraph."

-

-"I will bear it in mind," said the old man, dryly.

-

-Mark and the dutiful nephew left the cabin together.

-

-"You've got a soft place, youngster," Lyman began.

-

-"I have an easy place, and a kind employer," said Mark.

-

-"So you carry the old man's money, hey?"

-

-"Some of it," answered Mark, eying his companion, suspiciously.

-

-"Don't looked scared, boy. I'm not going to rob you. I only want to ask

-you a few questions. How much money did you and he take from that buried

-jar the other day?"

-

-"Who told you about it?" asked Mark, in surprise.

-

-"O, I know more about the old man's affairs than you suppose," chuckled

-Lyman.

-

-"I can't tell you."

-

-"Won't, you mean," returned Lyman, scowling.

-

-"I have no right to do so."

-

-"Look here, boy, do you know that I am my uncle's heir?"

-

-"He never told me so."

-

-"Then I tell you so."

-

-"I hear you, sir."

-

-"I'll tell you something else. I believe you are trying to worm yourself

-into my uncle's confidence, so as to rob him—and me."

-

-"Your thinking so doesn't make it so," said Mark, angrily.

-

-"I warn you that you had better think twice before you play such a

-dangerous game. You have a bad reputation in the village."

-

-"Who told you so?" demanded Mark, indignantly.

-

-"Two of your companions."

-

-"James Collins and Tom Wyman probably!" said Mark, contemptuously.

-

-"I know you were discharged from your place in the shoe-shop."

-

-"But for no good reason."

-

-"That's what you say. How much money of my uncle's have you in your

-pocket?"

-

-"That I don't choose to tell," said Mark, firmly.

-

-Lyman felt a strong inclination to take the money by force, but prudence

-restrained him. In that case, the order which he carried would not be

-honored, and he would probably lose more than he would gain.

-

-Mark was apprehensive of an attack, and it was with joy that he caught

-sight a little way in advance of James and Tom, whom under other

-circumstances he would not have cared to meet.

-

-"You will now have company," he said, "and I will hurry along."

-

-Lyman did not oppose his purpose, and joined the two boys.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XIX.

-                        ALL ABOARD FOR NEW YORK.

-

-

-THE next day Mark found a letter in the post-office directed to Anthony

-Taylor. According to custom it appeared in a written list containing the

-letters of those who had no boxes.

-

-Mark called for it.

-

-"Who is Anthony Taylor?" asked Tom Wyman, who happened to be attending

-the office for his father.

-

-"Old Anthony," as the boys call him.

-

-"I wonder if there's money in it!" said Tom, holding up the letter, and

-trying to peep inside.

-

-"That's none of our business," answered Mark.

-

-"Oh, you're mighty virtuous!" sneered Tom. "If there is any money, I'll

-bet you'll get a share of it."

-

-"I get no money except my wages."

-

-"How much does he pay you?"

-

-"I would rather not tell," returned Mark, with a smile. "You might try

-to get my place away."

-

-"As if I would work for an old tramp like the hermit!" exclaimed Tom,

-disdainfully. "I suppose he pays you about a dollar a week."

-

-"That's better than doing nothing, isn't it?"

-

-"Yes, it's better for you. I don't want your place. I shall go to the

-city when my school days are over."

-

-"I wish you good luck, Tom, whenever you do," said Mark, good-naturedly.

-"I must hurry along with my letter."

-

-"A letter for you, Mr. Taylor," announced Mark, as he entered the cabin.

-

-"From John Hardy," said the hermit, as he scanned the address.

-

-He opened the letter and read as follows:

-

-    "MY DEAR OLD FRIEND: Your will is drafted and ready for signature.

-    You had better come up to the city, and sign it. I know your

-    reluctance to leave your forest home, but it will occur to you at

-    once that your signature must be witnessed, and though witnesses

-    might be found in Pocasset, it would involve a degree of publicity

-    which I presume you would wish to avoid. Here I can easily get it

-    witnessed by my clerks.

-

-    "I suggest that you bring the boy, Mark, with you, as he may be of

-    service to you. Moreover, I think it is high time that we spoke to

-    him of the mission on which you propose to send him.

-

-    "Your worthy nephew, Lyman, called upon me to-day with your letter.

-    He wished me to furnish him with the money needed for his ticket,

-    but I thought it better to send a clerk to purchase the ticket, and

-    see him fairly off. He has just returned, and reports that Lyman is

-    on the way to Chicago. I think you showed considerable shrewdness in

-    securing his removal from this neighborhood. He may return, to be

-    sure, but the chances are that he will spend all the money, and find

-    himself stranded in Chicago. If this compels him to work for a

-    living, no harm will result.

-

-                                                   "Your friend as ever.

-                                                   "JOHN HARDY."

-

-Old Anthony laid down the letter thoughtfully. He was reluctant to go to

-New York, but saw that it was necessary. His reluctance was diminished

-by the prospect of having Mark's company.

-

-"Mark," he said, "can you go to New York with me to-morrow?"

-

-Mark stared at his employer in amazement. The proposal was very

-unexpected.

-

-"I am obliged to go up on business," explained the hermit. "I wish I

-could delegate it to you, but I must attend to it myself. It is so long

-since I have been in a crowd, that I believe I shall need some one to

-take care of me."

-

-"I shall be very happy to accompany you, sir," said Mark, with alacrity.

-

-"At what time does the morning train leave the station?"

-

-"Nine o'clock, sir."

-

-"Then meet me there at fifteen minutes before the hour."

-

-"All right, sir."

-

-"When shall we return?" asked Mark, after a pause.

-

-"When does the afternoon train leave the city?"

-

-"At three o'clock."

-

-"We will return then."

-

-"I only wanted to tell my mother when to expect me."

-

-It must be admitted that old Anthony looked like an antediluvian figure

-in his old-fashioned coat, with a short waist and long tails, as he

-stood on the platform the next morning waiting for the train. Two or

-three of the village boys laughed rudely, but the hermit was buried in

-thought, and took no notice of them. Mark, himself, thought his employer

-looked queer, but he saw nothing to laugh at.

-

-"Are you going to town with old Anthony?" asked one of the boys.

-

-"Yes," answered Mark.

-

-"People will take him for your grandfather."

-

-"I don't mind."

-

-"He looks like a rusty old tramp. His coat looks as if it was made in

-the year one."

-

-"He has a right to consult his own taste. He has been kind to me, and I

-don't care to listen to any rude remarks."

-

-"You may buy two tickets, Mark," said the hermit.

-

-Mark did so.

-

-Just as he was leaving the ticket-window, his former employer, Mr.

-Collins, the shoe manufacturer, took his place.

-

-"Are you going to the city?" he asked.

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Who goes with you?"

-

-"Mr. Taylor."

-

-"Mr. Taylor?"

-

-"The—the hermit."

-

-"Oh!" returned the manufacturer, arching his brows, "are you working for

-him?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"You might have been working for me, if you had behaved yourself."

-

-"I am satisfied with the change," answered Mark.

-

-"That boy is impertinent," soliloquized the village magnate. "He can't

-get much pay from a pauper. However, it serves him right. Of course, it

-is only pride that makes him profess to be satisfied."

-

-Mark would have been surprised, had he known that Mr. Collins was going

-up to the city to call upon the person with whom the hermit had

-business. Such was the fact, however. Mr. Collins had applied to Mr.

-Hardy for a sum of four thousand dollars, mortgaging therefor, his large

-shoe manufactory, which had originally cost double this sum.

-

-As Mr. Hardy told old Anthony, he had ventured into Wall Street, and the

-losses he had incurred there, had forced him to raise money in this way.

-

-To-day had been fixed by Mr. Hardy for the execution of the papers, and

-the transfer of the sum required. Twelve o'clock was the hour appointed

-by Mr. Hardy, for his business with the manufacturer.

-

-"What on earth can carry that old scarecrow up to New York?" thought Mr.

-Collins, as he eyed curiously old Anthony, who, with Mark, was seated a

-few steps in front of him, in the same car. "I suppose he has a pension

-from some source, and is going to collect it."

-

-It may be remarked that James Collins had never communicated to his

-father the discovery made in the forest, connected with the pot of gold.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXII.

-                       IN AN OFFICE ON BROADWAY.

-

-

-MR. HARDY'S office was in a large, high building, on Broadway. It was

-the fifth floor, but there was an elevator constantly running, which

-made it nearly as easy of access as if it had been on the first.

-

-Mark had never before ridden in an elevator, and he enjoyed the novelty

-of it. From a directory, near the entrance, they ascertained that Mr.

-Hardy occupied office No. 55, and this was easily found.

-

-"Welcome to New York," said the agent, advancing cordially, to greet his

-visitors. "Good morning, Mark. So you have piloted my old friend

-safely."

-

-"I think he has piloted me, sir. I know very little of the city."

-

-"I have not been here for five years," said Anthony, reflectively. "I am

-unused to the noise, and it confuses me."

-

-"I like it," said Mark.

-

-"You are young, and enjoy new and busy scenes," said Mr. Hardy. "Would

-you like to travel?"

-

-"Very much, sir."

-

-"Perhaps you may some time."

-

-"I am afraid it will be a long time before I am able."

-

-"Possibly not."

-

-Mark, however, did not detect any special significance in these words.

-

-"You may sit down here, and read a morning paper, Mark," said the agent,

-"while I transact a little business with Mr. Taylor."

-

-The two entered an inner office, where Mr. Hardy produced an

-official-looking document, to which he called the attention of the

-hermit.

-

-"Read it over," he said, "and see if it meets your views."

-

-"Precisely," answered Anthony, after he had taken the time necessary to

-read it.

-

-"Then it may as well be signed at once."

-

-Mr. Hardy summoned three clerks from the outer office, and in their

-presence as witnesses the will was signed.

-

-"I suppose I may as well leave the document with you, John," said

-Anthony.

-

-"It will be as well. Now, about the other matter. It seems to me you may

-as well send Mark at once in search of some clue to the possible

-existence of a grandchild. Before doing so, however, may I suggest

-something?"

-

-"Certainly."

-

-"I don't like the idea of your living in that lonely cabin. Why can't

-you seek a home in the house of your young secretary? Has he a good

-mother?"

-

-"She is a very worthy woman."

-

-"Has she a room for you?"

-

-"I think so."

-

-"What do you think of my proposal?"

-

-"I have been thinking of such a change myself. For the first time in

-five years I am beginning to find my cabin home monotonous."

-

-"I am glad to hear it. You will be much better off in a home where you

-can be taken care of."

-

-"I will attend to the matter without delay on my return."

-

-"So far, so good. Now, let me call in Mark, and speak to him of our

-plan."

-

-Mark, at the summons, entered the back office.

-

-"Mark," said Mr. Hardy, "we want you to take a journey."

-

-"I shall be very glad to do so, sir."

-

-"It will be a long one."

-

-"The longer the better," answered Mark, his eyes sparkling.

-

-"Your first stopping place will be Chicago."

-

-The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement.

-

-"I should like nothing better," he said.

-

-"The commission will be to trace out Mr. Taylor's daughter, and find out

-whether she left a child. Necessary instructions will be given in

-writing."

-

-"Do you think I am old enough?" asked Mark, excited but doubtful whether

-he was competent for the duty assigned him.

-

-"Discretion is more needful than age," answered Mr. Hardy. "Perhaps an

-older messenger would be better, but as my friend wishes to avoid

-publicity, he is disposed to try you. Would your mother be willing to

-have you go?"

-

-"I think so, sir, but I hate to leave her alone."

-

-"Mr. Taylor proposes to board with her while you are absent, if you

-think she would be willing to receive him."

-

-"I know she would be glad to secure such a boarder," answered Mark,

-quickly; "with that help she would be able to get along very well."

-

-"Then that matter is probably settled. Now a few words to guide you in

-your quest."

-

-These words need not be repeated here, as in following Mark's journey it

-will be understood what they were.

-

-Their business concluded, Mark and the hermit left the office and

-descended to the ground floor.

-

-They were just leaving the building when Squire Collins entered.

-

-He arched his brows in surprise. "You here?" he said, addressing Mark.

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"On what errand?"

-

-Mark was privately of opinion that he had as much right to ask the

-manufacturer's business as the latter his, but he answered: "Mr. Taylor

-had business here."

-

-Squire Collins smiled contemptuously. It did not strike him that the

-hermit's business was likely to be of any great moment. So people often

-deceive themselves and assume a superiority to which they have little

-claim.

-

-"Probably old Anthony has just been paid his pension," he thought, as he

-left them, and made his way to the elevator.

-

-He, too, ascended to the fifth floor, and leaving it there went to John

-Hardy's office.

-

-"Good morning, Mr. Collins," said Hardy. He knew nothing of the

-manufacturer's home title. "I shall be at leisure in five minutes."

-

-The five minutes passed.

-

-"Now I am at your service," he said.

-

-"Have you decided to let me have the money, Mr. Hardy?" asked the

-manufacturer, trying to conceal his anxiety.

-

-"Taking as security a mortgage on your manufactory?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"I think I can let you have it."

-

-Squire Collins looked much relieved.

-

-"You will find the security ample," he said. "The building is worth

-double the sum I am borrowing."

-

-"Is it well insured?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"The policies of insurance must be placed in my hands."

-

-"Of course."

-

-"I have to take all precautions, as the money is not mine, but belongs

-to a boy for whom I am trustee."

-

-"I see."

-

-Squire Collins had no curiosity as to the name of the boy referred to.

-He would have been very much amazed had he been told that it was the

-very boy whom he had discharged from his employment only a short time

-previous. For that matter, Mark would have been quite as much surprised.

-

-In the course of half an hour the proper papers had been made out, a

-check for four thousand dollars handed to Squire Collins, and the shoe

-manufacturer left the office in as good spirits as Mark had done half an

-hour before.

-

-"By-the-way," remarked the Squire at his supper table that evening, "I

-met two persons from Pocasset in the city to-day."

-

-"Who were they?" asked James.

-

-"Old Anthony and Mark Manning."

-

-"What could have taken them to the city?"

-

-"I presume Anthony receives a small pension from some source, and went

-up to collect it."

-

-"I think it very likely," said James, thinking of what he had seen in

-the forest. "I presume it isn't much."

-

-"Probably not."

-

-"I shouldn't think he'd have gone to the expense of taking Mark."

-

-"The old man looked dazed. I presume he doesn't feel safe in going

-alone."

-

-"Very likely Mark asked to go. He's fastened himself on the old man, and

-means to get all he can out of him."

-

-It is wonderful how prejudice colors our opinion of others.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXIII.

-                            MARK'S MISSION.

-

-

-THREE days later, two things puzzled the good people of Pocasset. One

-was the removal of old Anthony from his lonely cabin to the small but

-comfortable cottage of Mrs. Manning. It was voted by the village people

-a very sensible move, but they were at a loss to understand how the

-recluse had been persuaded to change his mode of life. It was generally

-supposed that he was quite poor, but the two or three dollars a week he

-would be able to pay the widow would be a help. A room on the second

-floor was appropriated to old Anthony, where he spent much of his time.

-Every day, however, he wandered off to the woods, which had been his

-residence for several years. Though he said little, he was soon

-convinced that he had bettered himself by his removal. Mrs. Manning

-provided plain, well-cooked meals, which were far more attractive than

-the extemporized lunches with which he had thus far been content.

-

-There was another circumstance, however, that equally puzzled the good

-people of the village. This was the disappearance of Mark. He was no

-longer seen walking about the streets, and many were the inquiries made

-of his mother as to where he had gone. At the request of old Anthony she

-answered very indefinitely. She could not tell just where Mark was, but

-he was employed. He would probably be home in a few weeks.

-

-Among those whose curiosity was most keen were James Collins and Tom

-Wyman.

-

-"Where do you think Mark has gone?" said James one day, throwing away a

-half-smoked cigarette.

-

-"I don't know any more than the man in the moon," answered Tom. "I asked

-his mother the other day when I met her in the street, but I couldn't

-get any satisfaction out of her."

-

-"Perhaps he has gone to the city in search of a place."

-

-"I shouldn't wonder."

-

-"He can't get anything to do here. Father won't take him back into the

-shop."

-

-"He was at work for old Anthony."

-

-"That couldn't amount to much. The hermit is as poor as Job's turkey."

-

-"Do you know this? How about the gold we saw?"

-

-"It was all he had," said James, who was in the habit of jumping at

-conclusions. "My father says he gets a small pension from some person in

-the city. Some rich relative, I suppose, is taking care of him. Do you

-know, Tom, I should be glad to come across Mark blacking boots, or

-selling papers in the city?"

-

-"Why?"

-

-"He is so mighty independent—poor and proud—that I believe he actually

-thinks himself as good as you or I."

-

-"He is pretty pert, that's a fact."

-

-"If he were only humble, and showed that he knew his place, I'd get

-father to take him back into the shop. It's his own fault that he got

-discharged."

-

-"It's a good thing for his mother having a boarder, as Mark isn't able

-to help her."

-

-"Pooh! what does that amount to? He probably pays two or three dollars a

-week. However, I suppose that's a good deal to her."

-

-Mark would have been amused, but not surprised, if he could have heard

-this conversation between his two old companions. At present, however,

-he had other things to occupy his attention.

-

-He had already reached Chicago and was staying there a day or two before

-going farther.

-

-His ultimate destination was Claremont, in Indiana, the place where the

-daughter of the hermit was understood to have died. It was about

-seventy-five miles from Chicago, and could be reached in three hours.

-Mark felt that he could do no better in his brief stay in Chicago than

-walk about, and make himself familiar with the principal streets and

-avenues, and gain some knowledge of the western metropolis.

-

-He kept his eyes wide open, and noticed all that came in his way.

-Everywhere throngs of busy wayfarers, and not one of whom he had ever

-seen before. It seemed strange to him, for in Pocasset he knew

-everybody.

-

-"The world is larger than I thought," he reflected, "and there are more

-people in it. I wish I could see one familiar face."

-

-He had hardly formulated the wish when his glance rested on a form that

-seemed strangely familiar. It was a man, tall, slender, with a slouching

-gait.

-

-"That must be Lyman Taylor," he decided, with a natural start of

-astonishment.

-

-It was indeed the man whom he had last seen in the woods at Pocasset. He

-had not thought to meet him, though he remembered now to have heard that

-Lyman had been sent to the West by his uncle.

-

-On the whole, Mark was not as much pleased as he expected to see this

-familiar face. He did not care to be recognized, as Lyman might have his

-curiosity excited, and make him trouble.

-

-Suddenly Lyman turned, and his glance fell upon Mark. The boy lowered

-his head, and walked on without notice. Lyman did not recognize him,

-though he was vaguely conscious of something familiar in Mark's

-appearance. But before he left New York, Mark had been provided with a

-new check traveling suit, and a hat of a different style from the one he

-was accustomed to wear.

-

-Moreover, Lyman had no thought of meeting the country boy in a western

-city. So he turned his glance in a different direction, and descended

-the steps that led to a basement pool and billiard room.

-

-"I would follow him down there, if I dared risk discovery," thought

-Mark. "However, it is none of my business what he does, as long as he

-doesn't annoy his uncle."

-

-Lyman Taylor would have been glad to see Mark, or any one else

-representing his uncle. The sum he had brought away with him had nearly

-all melted away, and his prospects were by no means brilliant. The

-thought of engaging in any employment by which he might earn an honest

-and independent livelihood was by no means attractive to him.

-

-In the afternoon of the second day Mark started by train for Claremont,

-and arrived at the Claremont Hotel in time for supper.

-

-He found Claremont to be a fair sized town, containing perhaps four

-thousand inhabitants. It seemed to be growing rapidly, like most western

-towns favorably situated. After a comfortable supper he bethought

-himself of whom he could make inquiries as to the object of his journey.

-

-As he sat in the office, a tall man, with long hair, and a look of

-speculation in his eyes accosted him.

-

-"Have you just arrived in town, young man?"

-

-"Yes, sir," answered Mark.

-

-"Are you calculatin' to settle here?"

-

-"No, sir; I am only here on a little business."

-

-"Drummer, I reckon!"

-

-"No, sir; I do not represent any business house."

-

-"You do look rather young for a drummer, but you said you were travelin'

-on business."

-

-"My business is of a different nature, sir."

-

-"Just so! if I can help you, I will. I am Colonel Enoch Tarbox,

-well-known hereabouts."

-

-"Thank you for your offer. If you will allow me, I will ask you one or

-two questions."

-

-"Go ahead, young man; I'm ready to give you any information in my

-power."

-

-"I am in search of a family named Ransom, who lived here some years

-ago."

-

-"John Ransom?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"You won't find him; he's dead."

-

-"So I have heard. Did you know him or his wife?"

-

-"I've drank with John Ransom many a time at this very bar. He was rather

-fond of a social glass."

-

-"Did you know his wife?"

-

-"I've seen her often. She's dead too. They both died of a fever."

-

-"I suppose they had no children," said Mark, putting the question

-anxiously.

-

-"Let me see," said the colonel slowly, evidently searching his memory;

-"yes, I believe there was a child, a little boy."

-

-"Is he alive?" asked Mark eagerly.

-

-"There you've got me, stranger. Children ain't much in my line. I never

-heerd of Ransom's child dying. I reckon it left town though."

-

-"Where could I get any information about it, do you think?"

-

-Colonel Tarbox reflected.

-

-"I reckon you'd better go to Mrs. Finn; she was intimate with Mrs.

-Ransom. She lives in the little white cottage alongside of the

-Presbyterian church."

-

-"Thank you, Colonel Tarbox; I am much indebted to you for what you have

-told me."

-

-"Don't mention it. Won't you take a drink?"

-

-This kind offer Mark declined rather to the colonel's dissatisfaction.

-He decided to call upon Mrs. Finn the next day.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXIV.

-                         WHAT MARK DISCOVERED.

-

-

-AS the clock on the Presbyterian church struck nine, Mark stood knocking

-at the door of the little cottage hard by.

-

-The door was opened by a comely woman of middle age, who, not

-recognizing Mark, looked at him inquiringly.

-

-"What can I do for you?" she asked.

-

-"My name is Mark Manning," said Mark, introducing himself. "I have been

-directed to you as likely to give me some information about Mrs. Ransom,

-who—"

-

-"Yes, yes," interrupted Mrs. Finn, not waiting for Mark to finish his

-sentence. "Poor dear! I know all about her. Come in, do!"

-

-She led the way into the neat sitting-room, where she invited Mark to be

-seated. Then she changed parts with Mark and began to ask questions.

-

-"Are you related to Mrs. Ransom?" she asked.

-

-"No," answered Mark, "but I come from one who is."

-

-"Alas, it is too late! The poor woman is dead."

-

-"I know that, but did she leave a child?"

-

-"Yes, a little boy. She sat great store by little Jack."

-

-"And what has become of him?" asked Mark, eagerly.

-

-"That is more than I can tell. A tall gentleman—I don't rightly know his

-name—appeared at the funeral, said he was a relation, and took off

-little Jack to St. Louis, I think."

-

-"A tall gentleman—a relation!" repeated Mark, surprised. "What was his

-appearance?"

-

-Mark was destined to be surprised, for Mrs. Finn's description tallied

-exactly with the appearance of Lyman Taylor. This was a surprising

-discovery. Mark was sharp enough to guess that Lyman's object was to

-remove from his path any rival claimant to his uncle's property,

-supposing him to possess any.

-

-"I think I know who you mean," he said, after a pause.

-

-"Was it really a relation of Mrs. Ransom?"

-

-"If it was the one I suppose, it was her cousin."

-

-"I am glad to hear it. Then poor Jack was taken care of."

-

-"I am not sure about that," said Mark, gravely. "Though a relative, he

-is a selfish, bad man, and I am afraid he meant the poor boy no good."

-

-"Good gracious!" exclaimed Mrs. Finn, startled, "you don't think he

-would murder the innocent child?"

-

-"No, I don't think that, but I think he wanted to put him where his

-grandfather would never find him."

-

-"Is it his grandfather you come from, then?"

-

-"Yes; he does not even know of his grandchild's existence, but if I find

-him, the boy will never need any other protector. Can you tell me

-anything of Mrs. Ransom—of her husband?"

-

-"Poor Mrs. Ransom was a sweet woman, who deserved a better fate. As for

-her husband, he was a drunkard, and a loafer. Those are hard words, but

-he deserved them both. They hadn't much money, but what there was he

-spent for liquor at the hotel yonder. More than once his poor wife and

-little child wouldn't have had any breakfast if I hadn't taken some

-over."

-

-And warm-hearted Mrs. Finn wiped away a tear.

-

-"Did her husband treat her very badly? Did he beat her?"

-

-"I am afraid he did when he was very far gone, but, poor thing! she

-never complained. She always looked sad, though, and she didn't enjoy

-her life very much."

-

-"Did she ever speak of her father?"

-

-"Once only. She told me she had ill-treated, him, and been a disobedient

-daughter. I think it was in marrying Ransom."

-

-"Did she ever write to him?"

-

-"She told me she did once, but never received an answer. 'He won't

-forgive me,' she said, with a sigh, and never wrote again."

-

-"I am sure he did not receive the letter, Mrs. Finn. If he had, he would

-have noticed it."

-

-"I hope so; at any rate she was sadder than ever when no letter came to

-her in return. Finally, her husband took sick with a fever. Bad as he

-had been to her, she nursed him like a devoted wife as she was. But she

-couldn't save him. Hardly was he dead, when she, too, caught sick, and

-in the end she died. While she was sick I took little Jack home, for

-fear he would catch the fever too. I was thinking of adopting him after

-his mother's death, when the man I spoke of called and took away the

-boy, saying he would provide for him."

-

-"And that was—how many years ago?"

-

-"Nearly six, I think."

-

-"And I suppose you have neither seen nor heard of him since?"

-

-Mrs. Finn shook her head.

-

-"Where does little Jack's grandfather live?" she asked.

-

-"Near New York."

-

-"Is he a rich man?"

-

-"Moderately rich. He is well able to take care of his grandson, if he

-could find him."

-

-"I wish I could tell you more, I am sure," said Mrs. Finn heartily. "If

-the poor boy yet lives, Heaven knows what his condition may be. If you

-could find the man that took him away——"

-

-"I can," answered Mark.

-

-"Then why don't you go to him, and ask him where to find the child?"

-

-"Because it is against his interests to have him found. He and the

-little boy are the only heirs to the grandfather's property. His uncle

-has good reason to dislike him, and if the boy is found, Lyman Taylor

-will get nothing, I feel sure."

-

-"Well, well! What wickedness there is in the world!" ejaculated Mrs.

-Finn. "What will you do?"

-

-"I don't know. I shall have to consider."

-

-"Did the grandfather send you out here?"

-

-"Yes."

-

-"Excuse my remarking that you are very young to undertake such a

-responsible task."

-

-"I think so myself, Mrs. Finn," Mark answered, modestly. "But it so

-happened that he hadn't much choice. I shall do my best, and if I can't

-find him, I shall go home and report, and advise Mr. Taylor to send an

-older and more competent person."

-

-"You won't be offended by what I said?"

-

-"Certainly not. Any one would think as you do. Is there any other

-information you can give me, Mrs. Finn?"

-

-Mrs. Finn shook her head.

-

-"I am afraid not," she said.

-

-"You are sure the boy was carried to St. Louis?"

-

-"Quite certain."

-

-"I might go to St. Louis, but without any clue I am afraid I should

-stand little chance of succeeding."

-

-"You might advertise."

-

-"That is true," said Mark. "Indeed, it appears to be the only thing I

-can do. How old would the boy be now?"

-

-"About eight years old, I think."

-

-"Thank you."

-

-Mark took out a small memorandum book, and noted down the small amount

-of information he had obtained.

-

-It did not appear to be much, and yet it was of great importance. He had

-ascertained that Mrs. Ransom had left a child, and moreover that Lyman

-Taylor had been aware of the fact, and had conspired to keep its

-existence from old Anthony.

-

-"Does he know where it is now?" Mark asked himself.

-

-Mark was inclined to think not. Shortly after the boy was carried away,

-Lyman had gone East, got into trouble, and served a term of some years

-in a prison.

-

-During those years, probably the boy had drifted out of his knowledge.

-Doubtless he could furnish a clue, but for obvious reasons, it would not

-do to apply to him.

-

-"I am very much obliged to you for your information," said Mark, as he

-rose to go.

-

-"You are heartily welcome, sir. Would you mind writing me, if you find

-out anything about poor Jack?"

-

-"I will certainly do so, Mrs. Finn. I shall lose no time in going to St.

-Louis."

-

-"Heaven speed you, and bring you success," said Mrs. Finn, fervently.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XXV.

-                         THE LITTLE MATCH BOY.

-

-

-"MATCHES! Matches! Here's your nice matches!" was heard in a shrill

-treble, proceeding from a little boy on Clark Street, in Chicago.

-

-He looked thin and pale, and it was easy to see the poor little fellow

-was poorly fed, as well as ill-clad.

-

-"Only five cents a package!" the little fellow continued to cry; and he

-looked wistfully in the faces of those who passed him, hoping for a

-possible purchaser.

-

-"Clear out of my way there, you brat!" said a rough voice. "Do you want

-to take up the whole sidewalk?"

-

-The boy shrank timidly, as the man who had addressed him swaggered by.

-He would not have dared to resent the rudeness, but another did. It was

-a stout, and healthy-looking woman, with a large basket on her arm,

-whose heart warmed towards the poor little match boy, sent out so early

-to earn his livelihood.

-

-"You ought to be ashamed to speak to the poor boy that way!" she said,

-warmly.

-

-"Mind your business, woman!" retorted Lyman Taylor, for it was he whose

-rough speech had been quoted.

-

-"I always do," said the woman. "It's my business to speak my mind to

-such brutes as you!"

-

-Lyman vented his wrath in a volley of oaths, for his language was by no

-means choice, when his anger was excited. He might have been more

-prudent, if he had known that a policeman was just behind.

-

-"Stop that, my man, unless you want me to take you in!" said the burly

-officer.

-

-Lyman Taylor turned sharply round, but quailed when he saw the officer.

-

-"This woman has insulted me," he said, sullenly.

-

-"I just spoke to him for abusin' that poor match boy," said the good

-woman.

-

-"I heard it all," said the officer. "Move on, my man, and behave

-yourself, if you don't want to get into trouble."

-

-Such a scene was sure to attract a small crowd. One kind-hearted man

-drew out a dime from his pocket and handed it to the match boy.

-

-"Here, my lad," he said; "take this, and I hope it'll do you good."

-

-"Here are two boxes of matches for you, sir."

-

-"No, keep them. I give you the money."

-

-"Here's another dime," said a young man, of literary aspect. He was a

-reporter on one of the Chicago daily papers, who, in spite of the cases

-of poverty and privation that came under his notice every day, still

-preserved a warm and sympathetic heart.

-

-Then a lady followed his example, and in the end, the match boy had

-received a sum much larger than the value of his small stock-in-trade.

-

-Lyman Taylor's rudeness had proved to him a piece of good luck, in

-opening the hearts of those who would otherwise have passed him by

-without notice.

-

-Smiling with pleasure at the child's good fortune, the good woman who

-had resented Lyman's rudeness so warmly, went on her way. If all had

-hearts as warm, there would be little misery or suffering in the world.

-It is often those who have little, that are most ready to help others

-poorer than themselves. I must not omit to add, that among the

-contributors to the little match boy's fund was the policeman, who

-placed a nickel in his hands, with the admonition to "brace up and be a

-good boy!" This was true charity, for out of his salary the officer had

-to support a large family of his own, and therefore had very few nickels

-to spare. He was bluff of aspect, but kind of heart.

-

-"It's a shame to send out such a child on the streets," he said to

-himself. "Think of my Rob having to lead such a life!"

-

-The policeman looked sober, for, should anything happen to him, as in

-his exposed life might very well happen, he knew not what would be the

-fate of his little ones. They might be as badly off as the poor match

-boy.

-

-The little match boy's thin face showed signs of satisfaction as he

-looked at the collection of small coins which had been given him by the

-pitying crowd. He turned into an alleyway and counted it. It amounted to

-seventy-six cents. This was a phenomenal sum for the small merchant. And

-the best of it was, he had his stock of merchandise left.

-

-A thought entered the little boy's mind, prompted by his craving for

-food.

-

-"Would it be wrong for me to take a little of this money and buy me some

-dinner?" he said to himself. "I am _so_ hungry. Aunt Peggy only gave me

-a slice of bread for breakfast, and it's most two o'clock now."

-

-Only a slice of bread, and he had been walking about for hours, trying

-to sell matches. The fruit of all his labor was the sale of two boxes at

-five cents each. But he had seventy-six cents besides, and they were

-his. They had not been given to Aunt Peggy, but to him. So, at least, he

-reasoned. Not that he meant to keep it all himself. He intended to give

-the greater part to the woman who was the only guardian he knew, but he

-thought he had a right to use fifteen cents for himself. It wasn't much,

-but he knew a place—a cheap place—where for this sum he could get a cup

-of coffee and a plate of beefsteak. At the thought of this delicious

-repast the match boy's mouth watered. When had he eaten meat? Three days

-ago Peggy had given him a bone to pick. There was not much on it, but

-when he had got through with it there was none at all.

-

-Johnny could not resist the temptation. He suspended sales, and made his

-way to a cheap restaurant on a side street. With eager steps he entered,

-and sat down at a wooden table from which nearly all the paint had been

-worn off, and scanned the bill of fare.

-

-It seemed to him that there was nothing better than the dish he had

-already mentally selected.

-

-A greasy looking waiter approached, and said sharply, "What'll you have,

-kid?"

-

-"Cup o' coffee an' plate of beefsteak!" answered Johnny.

-

-"Sure yer got money enough to pay for it?"

-

-"I wouldn't have asked for it if I hadn't," said Johnny, emboldened by

-his unusual wealth.

-

-"All right, then! Sometimes chaps come in and order their dinner, and

-skip off before it comes time to pay."

-

-The greasy looking waiter went to the back of the room, and soon

-returned with the banquet Johnny ordered.

-

-He set it down with a jerk.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXVI.

-                           LUCK FAVORS LYMAN.

-

-

-NO patron of Delmonico's probably ever contemplated his sumptuous meal

-with more satisfaction than shone in the little match boy's eyes, as he

-gazed with watering mouth at the overdone, tough-looking steak, the

-mashed potato, the three slices of stale bread and dab of butter, which

-furnished the solid material of his meal. A cup of muddy coffee

-completed the bill of fare. After all, appetite is the best sauce, and

-Johnny had appetite enough to make his meal seem palatable.

-

-Johnny did not stand upon ceremony, but "pitched in." It is not an

-elegant expression, but it describes accurately the energy with which

-the boy disposed of his dinner. Ten minutes sufficed for its entire

-disappearance. There was not even a crumb left.

-

-"That was bully!" said Johnny to himself, with a sigh of supreme

-satisfaction "I wish I could have such a lay out every day."

-

-But he evidently thought this was unattainable happiness. He did not

-even think of reserving from his little fund, enough to provide a

-similar feast on the following day—partly because he was an honest

-little fellow, and partly because he stood in fear of the burly woman

-whom he called Aunt Peggy.

-

-"I wouldn't have Aunt Peggy know I've been here for something," he

-thought.

-

-There seemed little chance of it, but, as ill luck would have it, as he

-was emerging from the restaurant, a boy he knew passed with a

-blacking-box on his shoulder.

-

-"What have you been doin' in there?" asked Tim Roach. "Been havin' yer

-dinner?"

-

-"I just got a little to eat," answered Johnny, ill at ease.

-

-"Got any more money?"

-

-"A little."

-

-"Then just treat a feller, won't yer? I'll do as much for you

-to-morrer."

-

-"I can't, Tim, the money isn't mine."

-

-"You won't, you mean."

-

-"I would if the money belonged to me."

-

-"Does Peggy know yer went in there?" asked Tim, slyly.

-

-"Don't tell her, Tim! I was _so_ hungry."

-

-"Then treat!"

-

-"I can't, Tim!"

-

-"All right!" replied Tim, nodding. "I'll let Peggy know how you spend

-her money."

-

-Poor Johnny! These last words alarmed him terribly.

-

-Lyman Taylor's stock of money was getting low. He was not a good

-financial manager. But even if he had been, he would not have been able

-long to live without work. When his stock of ready money was reduced to

-five dollars, he began to consider anxiously where he could obtain a

-further supply. It is not strange that his thoughts should have reverted

-to his uncle.

-

-"I wonder if Uncle Anthony is well fixed or not. He got considerable

-money in California, but may have lost it. The old man is close-mouthed,

-and I can't worm the secret out of him. If I had any hold on him——"

-continued Lyman, thoughtfully.

-

-He sauntered along till he came to a pool-room, connected with a cheap

-hotel, of the kind he was in the habit of frequenting. No one chanced to

-be playing, and by way of filling up the time he took up a St. Louis

-paper, and ran his eye listlessly over it.

-

-But at one place in the advertising columns, his listlessness suddenly

-vanished, and his face assumed a look of eager interest. This was the

-advertisement that attracted his attention:

-

-    "INFORMATION WANTED.—Any one who can give information concerning a

-    child named Jack Ransom, who was brought to St. Louis a little more

-    than five years since, is desired to communicate with Mark Manning,

-    at the Planters' Hotel. The boy, if living, is now seven or eight

-    years of age."

-

-"Well, I'll be——hanged!" ejaculated Lyman Taylor. "How, in the name of

-all that's mysterious, has my uncle got hold of a clue to little Jack's

-existence?

-

-"So he's sent that country cub—Mark Manning—out to investigate. He must

-be crazy to trust a green boy, who has always lived in the country.

-

-"But what beats me, is how he learned so much. I did take the boy to St.

-Louis, and placed him with an old woman, who very likely has starved or

-beaten him to death by this time. But suppose she hasn't," continued

-Lyman, after a pause.

-

-"Suppose the child is still living. If I could only find out, then I

-would have the hold on my uncle that I require. I would kidnap the boy,

-and not part with him under a good round sum."

-

-Lyman's face brightened, but only for an instant. It was a capital

-scheme, but how was he to get hold of the boy? How did he know if he

-were living?

-

-He would have been amazed if he had known that he had seen the boy that

-very day, selling matches in the streets.

-

-There was one thing, however, that seemed clear to Lyman. His uncle must

-still have a comfortable property, or he would not be able to send a

-messenger to St. Louis in search of his lost grandson.

-

-"The old man may have twenty thousand dollars, for aught I know,"

-reflected Lyman; "and doesn't spend the income of half that as he lives

-now. No doubt that country boy has an inkling of it, and is planning to

-get hold of it. That boy is foxy, and knows what he is about, I'll be

-bound."

-

-This estimate did not exactly agree with the one Lyman had recently

-expressed of Mark, but he did not think it necessary to be consistent.

-

-"Twenty thousand dollars!" he repeated, and his nephew almost starving

-here in Chicago. Oh, it was a cunning scheme to buy me off for a paltry

-sum, and give a free field to that boy. That's a pretty way for a man to

-treat his only living relation.

-

-"But who could have put it into his head that his grandson was alive? I

-presume the little beggar has kicked the bucket before this. If I only

-could get hold of him, I would make the old man pay handsomely for his

-return."

-

-The chances, however, did not seem very flattering, and Lyman had no

-money to expend in searching for the boy, apart from the doubt whether

-he was still living. Gradually a new idea came to him. He might pick up

-some boy who would answer the purpose, whom he could palm off on his

-uncle as his grandson. True, it would be raising up a rival heir; but he

-was thoroughly persuaded that in no case did he himself stand any chance

-of succeeding to his uncle's property.

-

-"It will be worth something," he muttered, "to cut out that country boy.

-All I have to do, is to find a boy who is without relatives, and I can

-concoct some story that will impose upon Uncle Anthony. That little

-match boy, for instance! Why wouldn't he do?"

-

-Lyman became so excited by his castle building, that he determined to

-lose no time in carrying out his design. He left the tavern, and

-retraced his steps to the place where he had encountered the match boy.

-Johnny, after eating his dinner, had resumed his business, and was

-within a block of the same place offering his wares to the passers by.

-

-He was a little worried by Tim's threat to expose his extravagant dinner

-to the old woman with whom he lived, but persistently refused to buy off

-his persecutor.

-

-"I say, little boy, what's your name?"

-

-Johnny turned round at these words, and recognized in the man addressing

-him, the one with whom he had already had trouble. His face showed the

-fear which he not unnaturally felt.

-

-"Don't be frightened, my boy!" said Lyman, with an ingratiating smile.

-"I am afraid I was rough to you this morning. Don't mind it! I was

-worried about my business affairs, and didn't mean what I said. Shake

-hands, and let us be friends."

-

-With rather a bewildered look, Johnny allowed Lyman to take his small,

-thin hand, and looked perplexed.

-

-"Come, you don't harbor no malice, my lad, do you?" said Lyman with a

-smile.

-

-"No—o," answered Johnny, doubtfully.

-

-"The fact is, I feel an interest in you, my boy. You look like a little

-cousin of mine that I haven't seen since he was a baby."

-

-Johnny was more and more puzzled. The neglected little match boy was not

-used to such attention.

-

-"Did you ever live in St. Louis?" asked Lyman, at a venture.

-

-"Yes," answered the match boy.

-

-Lyman opened his eyes in surprise. He had not expected such an answer.

-Even then he did not suspect that Chance had led him to the very boy

-whom he desired to meet.

-

-"Have you any father or mother?" he asked.

-

-"No sir."

-

-"Good!"

-

-Johnny could not understand why his questioner should be pleased to hear

-that he was an orphan. Lyman Taylor seemed to him a very

-incomprehensible man. He felt rather uncomfortable in his presence, and

-hoped the man would go away, and leave him to attend to his business.

-

-"Who do you live with, then, sonny?" was Lyman's next question.

-

-"With my aunt."

-

-"What is your aunt's name?"

-

-"I always call her Aunt Peggy."

-

-"WHAT?" exclaimed Lyman, in a tone that made the little match boy jump.

-"You live with an old woman named Peggy?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Is she your aunt?"

-

-"I suppose so. I always call her Aunt Peggy."

-

-"It's the very boy!" was Lyman's exulting thought. "I'm in luck at last.

-Lyman, old man, your plans are going to be realized."

-

-"Were you ever called Jack?" he asked, anxiously.

-

-"Yes; that's what Aunt Peggy calls me. Other people call me Johnny."

-

-"My boy," said Lyman, fervently, "I can't tell you how glad I am to see

-you. I am sure now you are my little cousin. Where does Peggy live?"

-

-The match boy named the place—a poor street in a poor neighborhood.

-

-"Take me there at once. I want to see your Aunt Peggy."

-

-"But Peggy will be mad if I don't stay and sell matches, sir."

-

-"Come along; I will make it right with her."

-

-Lyman took the little boy's hand, and the two turned off Clark Street,

-and went in pursuit of Peggy.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXVII.

-                               OLD PEGGY.

-

-

-TIM ROACH was not only selfish, but liked to make mischief. He resolved

-to be revenged upon Johnny for declining to "treat" him to a dinner, and

-having plenty of time on his hands, took pains to seek out the humble

-home tenanted by old Peggy.

-

-It was on the third floor of a tall, shabby brick house, not far from

-the Chicago and Alton depot. Tim had been there before, and didn't

-require directions. He ascended the rickety staircase, nearly treading

-on two dirty faced children belonging to a neighbor of Peggy's, who were

-playing on the landing. As a third child, older, made her appearance,

-Tim stopped long enough to inquire, "Is Peggy at home?"

-

-"Yes," answered the girl. "She's home, but, oh my, ain't she tight!"

-

-"That's nothin' new," said Tim, composedly.

-

-He knocked at Peggy's door, and receiving no answer, opened it.

-

-The old woman had thrown herself on a truckle bed at one corner of the

-room, and was breathing noisily with her eyes half closed.

-

-"Is it you, Johnny!" she asked, without turning her head.

-

-"No, it's me!"

-

-"Who's me?"

-

-"Tim Roach."

-

-"What do you want?"

-

-"I've just seed Johnny, Peggy."

-

-"Has he sold many matches? Where is he?"

-

-"I seed him in an eatin' house. He was eatin' a bully dinner."

-

-"What!" exclaimed Peggy, now thoroughly roused, raising herself on her

-elbow. "What's that you say, Tim Roach?"

-

-Tim, quite enjoying the commotion he had raised, repeated his

-information.

-

-"So he's spendin' my money in fillin' his stomach, the little wretch!"

-exclaimed Peggy. "That's why he brings home so little money. The

-ungrateful little imp that I've slaved and slaved for these last six

-years, takin' advantage of a poor old woman when her back's turned!

-Where was it, Tim, dear?"

-

-Tim mentioned the restaurant.

-

-"And what was he eatin', Tim?"

-

-"He ordered a cup o' coffee and beefsteak—I don't know what else he

-had."

-

-"I'll learn him to chate and decave me!" said the old woman, angrily.

-"He only brought home twenty-five cents yesterday, and I takin' care of

-him, and buyin' him close and vittles."

-

-"I guess he buys some dinner every day," said Tim.

-

-"And I never to suspect it! Tim, dear, you're a good boy to come and

-tell me. You wouldn't treat your best friend that way?"

-

-"No, I wouldn't!" said Tim, virtuously. "What are you goin' to do to

-him, Peggy?"

-

-"Where's my stick, Tim? Do you see it anywhere?"

-

-"No, I don't," answered Tim, after a search.

-

-"Some of them children downstairs must have carried it off."

-

-"I can buy you a cane for ten cents."

-

-"And where would the ten cents come from I would like to know. I'll bate

-him wid my fists, the ongrateful young kid."

-

-"What are you goin' to give me for tellin' you, Peggy?" asked Tim.

-

-"I'll give you a penny the next time I see you," said Peggy, vaguely.

-

-"That isn't enough. Give me a nickel to buy a glass of beer?"

-

-"I haven't got it, Tim. I wish I had, for I'm awful dhry myself."

-

-"I wouldn't have come all the way to tell you if I'd know'd that," said

-Tim, discontentedly.

-

-Just then a noise was heard on the stairs, and Tim, opening the door

-wider, looked out.

-

-"Here's Johnny now, Peggy!" he said in excitement.

-

-"Come home the middle of the afternoon, too, the young rascal!"

-ejaculated the old woman. "I'll fix him!"

-

-"So here you are, you young——," commenced Peggy, as Johnny made his

-appearance, but the threat with which she was about to conclude, died in

-the utterance, when she saw that Johnny was closely followed by a tall

-man of middle age.

-

-"Who are you, sir?" she asked irritably, "and what brings you here? If

-you're the agent, I haven't got any money for you."

-

-"Don't you remember me, Peggy?" asked Lyman, sinking with rare courage

-into a chair which cracked under his weight.

-

-"No, sir, I don't. If I had my glasses, perhaps——"

-

-"I see you've got company, Peggy," continued Lyman, with a significant

-look at Tim. "I would like to speak to you alone. It'll be to your

-advantage, mind," he added, detecting a suspicious look on the old

-woman's face. "Just send the two boys out to play, and we'll speak

-together."

-

-"First, hand over what money you've got, Jack," said Peggy. "I ain't

-goin' to have you wastin' it outside. Let me see your matches! How many

-boxes did you sell?"

-

-"Five," answered Johnny.

-

-"Only five!" exclaimed the old woman, holding up her hands. "You were

-playin' in the strates, I'll be bound!"

-

-"No, I wasn't, Aunt Peggy. I tried to sell more, but——"

-

-"Oh, yes, I understand! And you'd done so well you thought you'd buy

-yourself a dinner off my money. Come here and let me shake you!"

-

-"Tim told you!" said the little boy, with a reproachful look at his

-betrayer.

-

-"Yes, he told me, and he was a good bye for doin' it."

-

-"He said he'd tell if I didn't buy him some, too."

-

-"Is that threu?" asked Peggy.

-

-"Hark to him!" said Tim, with virtuous indignation. "It's a lie, and he

-knows it."

-

-"Did you spend all the money, Jack?" demanded Peggy. "If you did——"

-

-"But I didn't, Aunt Peggy. Some good people gave me some money, and——"

-

-"It was for me, then. How dared you spind it?"

-

-"I've brought most of it home, Peggy. See here!" and Johnny took out a

-handful of small silver coins and pennies, and poured them into the old

-woman's lap.

-

-Peggy was agreeably surprised. She saw that there was nearly a dollar,

-much more than Johnny generally brought home, and it put her in a good

-humor.

-

-"You've done well, Jack!" she said. "I won't grudge the money you spent

-for a bit of dinner. Now go out and play wid Tim."

-

-"I don't want to play with him. He told on me."

-

-"My lad," said Lyman, "can't you bring a bottle of beer for your good

-aunt and myself. Here's money; you can bring back the change."

-

-"You go, Jack, for the gentleman," said Peggy, quite restored to good

-humor. "I don't mind sayin' that my throat is just parched with bein' so

-dhry."

-

-Johnny went out, and soon returned, for he had not far to go. In spite

-of his company being so unwelcome, Tim went and returned with him.

-

-"Won't you give me a little, Peggy," he asked.

-

-"No, I won't. You wanted Jack to trate you on my money. Now clear out,

-and never let me see your ugly face here ag'in."

-

-"That's the thanks I get for tellin' you!" complained Tim. "And after

-runnin' myself out of breath, too!"

-

-"Clear out wid you! And you, Jack, go back and see if you can't sell

-some more matches. It's only the middle of the afternoon, and there's

-plenty of time before sunset to sell half-a-dozen boxes."

-

-Johnny obeyed, not unwillingly, for he was not partial to home, nor did

-he enjoy Peggy's company. Tim accompanied him, but Johnny, gentle as he

-was, refused to have anything to say to him. Tim felt that he was badly

-treated. Johnny turned his back on him, and Peggy had utterly failed to

-acknowledge the service he had rendered her. Tim was of opinion that it

-was a cold world, and that there was little encouragement to be

-virtuous.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                            CHAPTER XXVIII.

-                             LYMAN'S PLAN.

-

-

-"HERE'S your health, Peggy!" said Lyman, emptying his glass.

-

-"Thank you, sir!" said Peggy, following his example. "You're very kind,

-I'm sure, and I ought to remember you, but my memory ain't what it was."

-

-"So you don't remember me?"

-

-"I can't remimber that I iver set eyes on your face before, sir."

-

-"Then you don't remember the man that brought you a small child to take

-care of near six years ago?"

-

-"Shure it's himself!" ejaculated the old woman, peering curiously into

-Lyman's face. "I only saw you twice, and that's why I forgot. Shure it

-was a cruel thrick you played upon a poor old woman, when you gave her a

-baby to take care of, and then, five long years never sent her even a

-penny. It's hundreds and hundreds of dollars I've spent on little Jack,

-and he no kin to me!"

-

-"No doubt he has been brought up in the lap of luxury! He looks like

-it," said Lyman with an amused smile.

-

-"And now you've come to pay me all I spent on the child?" insinuated

-Peggy.

-

-"Well, not just yet. The fact is, Peggy, unavoidable circumstances

-prevented my communicating with you, and the same won't admit of my

-paying over the hundreds of dollars that Jack has cost you."

-

-"Then what do you want of me?" inquired the old woman disappointed.

-

-"I think I can see a way by which both of us can make something out of

-the boy. By-the-way, it strikes me just at present that he is supporting

-you instead of you taking care of him."

-

-"He only brings in a few pennies a day," said Peggy. "Shure it's hardly

-enough to pay his salt."

-

-"Then Jack must be immoderately fond of salt. However, I'll let you into

-a secret. His grandfather is looking for him."

-

-"His grandfather?"

-

-"Yes; no doubt you are surprised that Jack possesses a grandfather, but

-that is a fact. His grandfather is my uncle, and what is more to the

-purpose he has a fair property."

-

-"And little Jack is goin' to be rich?" gasped Peggy in amazement.

-

-"Well, I don't know! That depends on whether we allow his grandfather to

-find him."

-

-"And why shouldn't he? Wouldn't he be givin' a big reward?"

-

-"That is where you come to the point, my good Peggy. If he will make it

-worth our while, we may restore him to the old gentleman."

-

-"And how much would he be givin', d'ye think?" asked Peggy, her

-bead-like eyes sparkling with greed.

-

-"I shouldn't wonder, Peggy, if you might get a hundred dollars out of

-it."

-

-"A hundred dollars—after my takin' care of the boy ever since he was a

-babby. Now you're jokin'."

-

-"Well, you see, his grandfather isn't a rich man—" explained Lyman,

-fearing he had unduly raised the expectations of the old woman.

-

-"You said he was!" retorted Peggy sharply.

-

-"I said he had a comfortable property—for a country town. That means a

-few thousand dollars."

-

-"He sha'n't have him for such a thrifle," snapped Peggy.

-

-"The police might take him from you, without your getting a cent."

-

-"How would they know, unless you told 'em?" asked Peggy suspiciously.

-

-"Look here, Peggy!" said Lyman in a conciliatory tone. "We've got to

-stand by each other in this thing. Just leave the matter in my hands,

-and I'll manage it as well as I can. I'll get as much money from the old

-gentleman as I can."

-

-"And you'll give me half?"

-

-"Of course—that is, after necessary expenses are paid."

-

-"And what am I to do then?"

-

-"Nothing, except to stay here, and see that nobody gets hold of Jack.

-Does he know who he is?"

-

-"He thinks I'm his aunt."

-

-"And is proud of the connection, no doubt," said Lyman, who could not

-restrain his tendency to sarcasm. "Well, perhaps that is as well. Don't

-let any one know that it is not true. We can keep quiet till the time

-comes to make it known. Now, I'll leave you, and take the first step by

-writing to my uncle. Good afternoon, Peggy! I'll call again in a day or

-two."

-

-"Couldn't you leave me a dollar or two before you go?" whined Peggy. "Me

-health is very poor, and I can't work, and it's only a few pennies the

-boy brings in."

-

-"You're better off than I am," said Lyman curtly, "for I am out of

-employment and I have no boy to bring me in pennies. I don't know but

-I'd better take Jack at once, and then you won't have to take care of

-him."

-

-"I'll kape him," said the old woman hurriedly—for she had no wish to

-lose the income the match boy brought in, small as it was. "I'll kape

-him, for he's used to me life, and he's happier here."

-

-"Just as you like, Peggy!" returned Lyman with a smile at the success of

-his stratagem. "I'd help you if I could, but I'm almost at the bottom of

-my purse as it is. I'll see you again in a day or two, and report

-progress."

-

-"I've done a good day's work," reflected Lyman, as he picked his way

-downstairs, nearly slipping on a piece of orange peel on one of the

-steps. "It was a piece of good luck, my finding Jack so soon after

-seeing that St. Louis paper—but I must write an effective letter to my

-uncle."

-

-Lyman went to the Sherman House, and entering the writing-room procured

-a sheet of note paper, and penned the following note:

-

-                                           "CHICAGO, _September 7, 18—_.

-

-    "MY DEAR UNCLE:

-

-    "I am afraid you are feeling anxious about me, and I will therefore

-    relieve your affectionate solicitude, by saying that I am well in

-    health, but low—very low in pocket. It costs more to live in Chicago

-    than in Pocasset, and the sum of money with which you provided me is

-    nearly gone. As I am a little afraid this hint won't be sufficient

-    to open your heart, let me add that I can make it worth your while

-    to be generous.

-

-    "It has come to my knowledge that you have sent out Mark Manning in

-    search of your grandson. How you came to suspect that my cousin left

-    a boy I can't imagine, but I don't mind telling you that you are

-    correct. She did leave a boy, whose name is Jack Ransom. He is now

-    about eight years of age. I know where he is and can lay my hands

-    upon him at any moment. Whether I will or not depends on how you

-    propose to deal with me. Of course it isn't to my interest that the

-    boy should be found, as outside of him I am your natural and legal

-    heir. I know that Mark Manning is scheming to get possession of your

-    property when you are gone, but I am sure you wouldn't throw it away

-    on a stranger, when your brother's son is living.

-

-    "Now, Uncle Anthony, I am going to make you a proposition. Bear in

-    mind, if you please, that I am the only one who can restore little

-    Jack to you. Only one other person knows about him and she never

-    heard of you, and doesn't know Jack's last name. If you will

-    guarantee me five thousand dollars within three months, two thousand

-    being cash down, I will myself bring on little Jack, and place him

-    in your arms. Now, I am sorry to say that the boy has a miserable

-    home, and is scantily supplied with the necessaries of life. A

-    miserable career of poverty and perhaps crime, awaits him unless you

-    come to my terms. Let me know as soon as possible what you propose

-    to do.

-

-    "A letter directed to me at the Chicago post-office will reach me

-    safely.

-

-                           "Your affectionate nephew,

-                           "LYMAN TAYLOR."

-

-Anthony received this letter in due time, and deemed it of sufficient

-importance to warrant a visit to New York. He wished to lay it before

-Mr. Hardy, and ask his advice.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXIX.

-                       MARK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM.

-

-

-"MY good friend," said Mr. Hardy, "have you any reason to think your

-nephew's statement is to be relied upon?"

-

-"I hope so," answered Anthony. "I am getting to be an old man, and I

-should like to feel that some one of my own blood would survive me, and

-profit by a part of the competence which God has bestowed upon me."

-

-"It may be simply a money-making scheme on the part of Lyman," said the

-agent, thoughtfully. "Finding that he has little chance of becoming your

-heir, he wants to secure a handsome reward for restoring to you your

-grandson. Why has he not proposed it before?"

-

-"Because he did not know I had any property to leave, or else because he

-supposed his own chances of inheriting good. After the last interview

-with me, he probably lost the hope of profiting by my death."

-

-"There is something in what you say, Mr. Taylor. What is your own idea?"

-

-"I would give five thousand dollars, if necessary, to secure the return

-of my grandson. It would give me an object to live for."

-

-"I should be exceedingly sorry to see that sum pass into the hands of

-such a rascal as your graceless nephew."

-

-"Would you offer two thousand?"

-

-"I would hold no serious negotiations with him."

-

-"But I would run the risk of leaving the poor boy to a life of poverty,

-and myself to a lonely old age."

-

-"My idea is this. I will telegraph to Mark Manning, who is now in St.

-Louis, the particulars of your nephew's offer, with instructions to go

-at once to Chicago, find out Lyman, and put a detective on his track. If

-his story is true, he probably visits the boy from time to time. In this

-way it can be discovered where the boy lives, and steps can be taken to

-secure him."

-

-"I approve of your plan," said Anthony. "Let it be carried out at once."

-

-"There will be this advantage," added Hardy. "Your enterprising nephew

-will not realize any benefit from his nice little scheme for trading

-upon your affections."

-

-"Do as you think best, my good friend. Your judgment is always better

-than mine."

-

-John Hardy rapidly penned the following despatch.

-

-    "MARK MANNING, Planter's Hotel, St. Louis: Go at once to Chicago and

-    find Lyman Taylor. He knows where child is. Employ a detective, and

-    track him to boy's residence. Don't let him suspect your object.

-    Keep me apprised of your progress.

-

-        JOHN HARDY."

-

-This despatch reached Mark within two hours. He had been in St. Louis

-several days, and had learned nothing. Two or three persons had called

-upon him with bogus information in the hope of a reward, but he was

-sharp enough to detect the imposition. He was beginning to despair of

-success when Mr. Hardy's telegram was received. Mark brightened up. He

-saw his way clearer now.

-

-He went out to purchase a ticket for Chicago, and on his return found a

-second telegram in these words:

-

-    "Lyman admits knowledge of boy, and offers to restore him for five

-    thousand dollars."

-

-"I will endeavor to thwart Mr. Lyman Taylor," said Mark to himself. "He

-is a greater rascal than I thought."

-

-Mark paid his bill and took the next train for Chicago. He arrived late,

-and registered at the Fremont House, where he prepared himself for the

-difficult work that lay before him by taking a good night's rest. In the

-morning he awoke hopeful and determined, and after breakfast went out to

-walk. He had no clue to the where-abouts of Lyman, but thought it

-possible he might meet him as he had done before in the streets.

-

-He walked about for two hours, keeping his eyes wide open, but though he

-scanned many hundreds of faces, that of Lyman Taylor was not among them.

-Yet his walk was to be more successful than he anticipated.

-

-Little Jack still continued his street trade of selling matches. Peggy

-was not willing to give up the small revenue she obtained from the boy's

-sales. Sometimes, also, a compassionate passer-by would bestow a dime or

-nickel on the boy, pitying him for his thin face and sad expression.

-Sometimes, if Tim were not by, he would buy a cheap lunch, for the

-scanty rations which he received from Peggy, left him in a chronic state

-of hunger.

-

-It was fortunate that the poor boy indulged himself thus, or his feeble

-strength would hardly have held out against hunger and hard work

-combined.

-

-Unwittingly Jack had made an active enemy in Tim Roach. His refusal to

-treat, Tim persuaded himself, was very mean, and his indignation was

-increased by the ill-success of his attempt to secure pay for the

-information given to Peggy. He was anxious to be revenged upon Jack, and

-was only waiting for an opportunity.

-

-Malice generally finds its opportunity after awhile. One day Jack set

-down his basket of matches a moment while he ran into a shop to change a

-twenty-five cent piece. Tim was close at hand, and slyly secured the

-basket, and fled swiftly through a narrow passage-way with his booty. He

-had not only secured a stock of merchandise, but he had got Jack into

-trouble.

-

-When Jack came out and found his basket gone he was in dismay.

-

-"Who took my basket?" he inquired of an applewoman, who kept a stand

-close by.

-

-"There was a bye here just now—bigger than you. He must have run off wid

-it when my back was turned away."

-

-"Where did he go?" asked Jack, anxiously.

-

-"I didn't mind."

-

-"What was he like?"

-

-"Shure I've seed him here afore wid you. You called him Tim."

-

-"It was Tim Roach!" exclaimed Jack. "He's a mean boy. He took it to get

-me into trouble."

-

-"Shure he looks like a thafe."

-

-The tears started to Jack's eyes.

-

-"I don't know what to do," he said, piteously. "I am afraid Peggy will

-beat me when I get home."

-

-"Who is Peggy?" asked a new voice.

-

-Jack looked towards the speaker. He saw a pleasant-faced boy, apparently

-about sixteen.

-

-"She's the woman I live with," answered Jack.

-

-"What will she beat you for?" asked Mark, for it was he. He had just

-come up, and hadn't heard of Jack's misfortune, but his heart was

-stirred to sympathy, by the sadness visible upon the little boy's face.

-

-"For losing my matches," and thereupon Jack told his story to his new

-acquaintance.

-

-"How much were the matches worth?" asked Mark.

-

-"There were fourteen boxes. They cost me three cents a piece. Then there

-was the basket. That cost a quarter."

-

-"Do you know where to buy more?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Then take this dollar bill, and get a new supply."

-

-Jack's little face glowed with gratitude.

-

-"Oh, how kind you are!" he said.

-

-"Do you generally stand here?" asked Mark.

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Does this Peggy send you out every day?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Is she related to you?"

-

-"I thought she was my aunt," answered the match boy, "but last evening a

-gentleman called on Peggy, I heard them talking when they thought I was

-asleep," Jack continued in a lower tone. "I heard the gentleman say I

-had a grandfather living at the East, and that he would pay a good sum

-to get hold of me. I wish he would, for Peggy doesn't give me enough to

-eat, and sometimes she beats me."

-

-"Tell me about this gentleman," said Mark in excitement. "Is he tall?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"With black hair and whiskers?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Do you know his name?"

-

-"No, sir; but there he is now!"

-

-Mark followed the direction of the boy's finger, and he recognized,

-though his head was turned, the familiar form of Lyman Taylor on the

-opposite side of the street.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                              CHAPTER XXX.

-                   MARK MAKES ARRANGEMENTS WITH JACK.

-

-

-MARK'S excitement was at fever heat. In the most wonderful manner he had

-succeeded almost without an effort. He could not doubt that this boy was

-the very one of whom he was in search.

-

-He was apprehensive that Lyman would turn, and on recognizing him

-penetrate his design and arrange to defeat it. But fortunately the

-object of his dread appeared to have other business in hand and kept on

-his way, never turning back.

-

-"How old are you?" he asked, thinking it best to make assurance doubly

-sure.

-

-"Peggy says I'm goin' on eight," answered the match boy.

-

-"That is the right age," thought Mark.

-

-"Have you always lived in Chicago?" he continued.

-

-"No, sir; Peggy brought me from St. Louis when I was a very little

-child."

-

-"I suppose you don't remember much about St. Louis?"

-

-"I don't remember it at all."

-

-"What does Peggy do for a living?"

-

-Jack shrugged his shoulders.

-

-"Nothing much," he answered; "she says she isn't well enough to work."

-

-"Surely she does not depend wholly upon what you earn?"

-

-"I don't know. Sometimes she gets money in a letter. I think it comes

-from her son."

-

-"Then she has a son?"

-

-"Yes."

-

-"Where does he live?"

-

-"I saw one of his letters once. It said Fall River on the wrapper. I

-think he works in a factory."

-

-"Fall River is a city in Massachusetts. I have never been there, but I

-hear that they have factories there."

-

-"So you can read writing?" asked Mark after a pause.

-

-"Yes, a little."

-

-"And I suppose you can read books and papers?"

-

-"A little. I went to a primary school for a little while, and afterwards

-a lady used to hear my lessons. She lived in the same place with us."

-

-"Did you like studying?"

-

-"Ever so much. I should be happy if I could go to school again, but

-Peggy says I know enough, and she needs me to earn my living."

-

-"Do you know the name of that gentleman you pointed out to me?"

-

-"No, I don't think I heard Peggy mention his name."

-

-"How long has he been in the habit of coming to see you and Peggy?"

-

-"He has only been there two or three times. Peggy didn't remember him at

-first. I think they used to know each other a good while ago."

-

-"Suppose this gentleman's story were true, and you had a grandfather at

-the East who could take good care of you, would you be willing to go to

-him?"

-

-"Would he be kind to me? Do you know him?" asked the little fellow

-eagerly.

-

-"Yes, I know him, and I am sure he would be very kind to you. Would you

-be willing to leave Peggy?"

-

-"Yes," answered little Jack promptly.

-

-"How does she treat you?"

-

-"If I bring home a good bit of money, she pats me on the head and says I

-am a good boy, but if I am not lucky she is very cross, and sometimes

-she beats me."

-

-Mark's sympathies were aroused. Jack was so small, and weak in

-appearance, that it seemed to him revolting to think of his being at the

-mercy of a cruel old woman. Half unconsciously his fist doubled up, his

-teeth closed firmly together, and he just wished he had the merciless

-Peggy in his power.

-

-"Is Peggy temperate?" he asked.

-

-Jack looked at him inquiringly.

-

-"Does she drink?" Mark asked, changing the form of his question.

-

-"She drinks beer, and sometimes whiskey," answered Jack.

-

-"Does she get—drunk?"

-

-"Sometimes."

-

-"How does it affect her?"

-

-"It makes her sleepy or cross. I always run away when she has been

-drinking—when I can, but sometimes she locks the door and fastens me in.

-Then, if I can, I hide under the bed."

-

-"Poor boy! you have a hard time of it. Now, Jack, can you keep a

-secret?"

-

-Jack nodded, and his face assumed a cunning look, for the poor boy had

-more than once felt obliged to practice dissimulation, in the rough

-school in which he had been trained.

-

-"Yes," he answered.

-

-"Then I am going to tell you a secret. Your grandfather sent me out here

-to find you."

-

-"He sent you!" ejaculated Jack.

-

-"Yes."

-

-"But I thought he sent that gentleman—the one I pointed out to you."

-

-"No; that gentleman, as you call him, is your mother's cousin. He is a

-near relation of yours."

-

-"But he spoke to Peggy about carrying me back to my grandfather."

-

-"He has an object in view. He won't give you up to your grandfather

-unless he gets a large sum of money. I suppose he has promised to give

-Peggy some of the money."

-

-"Yes, I heard him promise Peggy a hundred dollars."

-

-Mark smiled.

-

-"Then I think he is going to cheat Peggy," he said. "He wants five

-thousand dollars for himself."

-

-"Why, that is a good deal more than a hundred dollars."

-

-"Yes, it is fifty times as much. Did Peggy seem to be satisfied with a

-hundred?"

-

-"No; she said it was very little, but he said perhaps my grandfather

-would give her as much as that every year."

-

-"It is evident he proposes to take the old woman in."

-

-"I don't care, if he will only take me back to my grandfather. Will he

-give me enough to eat?"

-

-"My poor child, are you hungry?" asked Mark, compassionately.

-

-"Yes; I think I am always hungry," sighed Jack. "Peggy says I eat too

-much."

-

-"You don't look much like it. Now Jack, one thing more. Would you be

-willing to leave Peggy, and go to New York with me?"

-

-"Would you take me to my grandfather?"

-

-"Yes; that is just what I want to do."

-

-"I am ready to go now," said Jack, putting his hand confidingly in

-Mark's.

-

-"That is well, but it will be better to wait till to-morrow. What time

-do you get up in the morning?"

-

-"About eight o'clock. It isn't any use to go out too early."

-

-"And at what time do you come here, Jack?"

-

-"About half-past eight or nine."

-

-"Then I will meet you to-morrow, somewhere about that time, and I will

-have tickets ready to take us to New York. We can catch the ten o'clock

-train. There isn't any danger of Peggy keeping you, is there?"

-

-"Not unless she thinks I am goin' to run away."

-

-"She mustn't suspect that. We must be sure to keep that from her. I

-suppose you have no other clothes than those you have on?"

-

-"No, sir."

-

-"I will hunt up a clothing-store, and get you fitted out before we

-start. I shouldn't like your grandfather to see you in that ragged

-suit."

-

-Jack looked down at his jacket, frayed, tattered and greasy, and said:

-

-"I've often wished I had nice clothes like that boy," and he pointed out

-a boy of about his own age, dressed in knickerbockers.

-

-"You shall have your wish to-morrow, Jack. Now I suppose you had better

-go and buy some more matches, so that Peggy won't suspect anything."

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"You'll be sure to meet me to-morrow, Jack?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"And don't let Peggy suspect from your looks that anything is going on."

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Everything looks favorable," thought Mark as he walked slowly to his

-hotel. "To-morrow at this time Peggy and the worthy Lyman will be

-mourning for a lost boy."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXXI.

-                        JACK TALKS IN HIS SLEEP.

-

-

-JACK was naturally very much excited by the new prospects that opened

-out before him. He had seen little happiness in his short life. It is a

-sad thing to say that he had hardly ever known what it was to eat a full

-meal. Cold and pinching privation, and long, toilsome days in the

-streets, had been his portion hitherto. Was it possible, he asked

-himself, that all this was to be changed.

-

-Was he to have a home like other boys, and a relation who was able to

-supply him with the comforts of which he knew so little?

-

-It seemed like a dream, and little Jack might have been tempted to

-distrust the information which had been given to him. But somehow he

-could not help feeling confidence in what Mark told him. He felt that

-Mark would not deceive him, and the dream must come true after all.

-

-Jack finished out the day as usual, and went home. Peggy's attention was

-at once called to the new basket.

-

-"Where did that come from?" she asked.

-

-"My basket was stolen, and a kind gentleman gave me money to buy this."

-Jack answered.

-

-"Was the matches stole too?"

-

-"Yes; he gave me money enough to buy as many as I lost."

-

-"Who stole 'em? Do you know?"

-

-"I think it was Tim Roach. He was hangin' round, at the time I lost it."

-

-"Did he snatch it from you?"

-

-"No; I laid it down a minute while I went into a cigar store to get a

-quarter changed for a gentleman who had just bought a box of matches,

-when Tim picked it up and ran away."

-

-"I'd like to get hold of Tim!" said Peggy wrathfully. "I'd wring his

-neck for him, the little wretch!"

-

-Then a new and cunning idea came to Peggy.

-

-"I tell you what to do, Jack," she said; "just you go out to-morrow

-mornin' without any basket, and begin to cry, and tell people that

-you've had your matches stolen. Then somebody'll give you money, and you

-can bring it home."

-

-"But that would be tellin' a lie, Peggy," objected Jack.

-

-"And what if it is!" retorted Peggy. "You needn't be so dreadfully good.

-It ain't a lie that'll hurt anybody, and the gentlemen that gives you

-the money won't miss it."

-

-It occurred to Jack that it would suit his plans to go out the next

-morning without the basket. Considering how he had been brought up, his

-conscience was unusually tender, and he would not have liked to leave

-the city without returning the basket and his stock-in-trade to Peggy.

-Besides, she could have him arrested for theft, if she chose. He

-decided, therefore, that he would make no further objection to Peggy's

-proposal.

-

-"Just as you say, Peggy," he said, submissively.

-

-"That's a good boy!" said Peggy, good-humoredly. "That's a pretty good

-snap!" she said to herself, complacently. "I don't know why we shouldn't

-foller it up. It'll be more than the profit of the matches, and Jack can

-do it two or three times a day."

-

-It did, indeed, seem a very ingenious method of raising money, and

-answered the purpose of begging, without being open to the usual

-objection.

-

-[Illustration: The old woman drawing near the pallet, strove to catch

-the words that fell from the boy's lips.]

-

-Jack usually got tired with being about the streets all day, and after

-he had eaten the frugal supper with which Peggy had provided him, he lay

-down on a pallet provided for him in the corner of the room, and was

-soon asleep. But with such a momentous secret on his mind, it will not

-be a matter of surprise that Jack's thoughts, even in sleep, were

-occupied with his new plan. Whenever he was restless he was apt to talk

-in his sleep, and did so on the present occasion.

-

-Peggy had not gone to bed, but sat in an old wooden rocking-chair,

-smoking a pipe.

-

-"What's the boy sayin'?" she asked herself, as Jack began to talk. "I'll

-listen, and then if he's been up to any mischief, he'll out with it."

-

-She removed the pipe, and drawing near the pallet, bent over, and strove

-to catch the disconnected words that fell from the boy's lips.

-

-"I'm goin'—to—my grandfather!" she heard Jack say, and the words

-startled her.

-

-"Who's been talkin' to him about his grandfather?" Peggy exclaimed,

-startled. "I didn't know he'd heard a word about him."

-

-"He says—he will—take me!" continued Jack, in a drowsy tone.

-

-"He says he'll take him!" repeated Peggy, in surprise and alarm. "Who's

-he, I'd like to know."

-

-Her suspicions fell at once upon Lyman. No one, so far as she knew, had

-any knowledge of Jack's relations except Lyman. Evidently Lyman had been

-talking to the boy on the sly.

-

-"The villain!" said Peggy, indignantly; "I know what he's up to. He

-wants to get the boy away from me, and get all the reward himself. He's

-going to leave Peggy out in the cowld, and abduct the boy on the sly.

-I've found him out, the artful schamer. So he thinks he can over-rache

-ould Peggy, does he? He'll find it's a cowld day when ould Peggy gets

-left."

-

-Jack began to talk again.

-

-"He says he'll take me off in the cars," he continued. "I like to ride

-in the cars. My grandfather will give me enough to eat, and I won't have

-to sell matches for a livin'."

-

-"The ongrateful young kid," commented Peggy, looking angrily at the

-sleeping boy. "So he wants to lave me who've took care of him ever since

-he was a babby, and he don't mind it no more'n if I was a puppy dog. _I_

-that have been a mother to him!"

-

-Peggy rocked back and forward, and actually persuaded herself that

-little Jack was very ungrateful. It is curious how we misrepresent

-matters from our own point of view. It was Jack who had supported Peggy,

-and she was far more indebted to him than he was to her, but somehow she

-could not see it. She did, however, understand fully how unpleasant it

-would be to lose Jack's services, unless she could receive, as Lyman had

-led her to expect, an adequate compensation from his grandfather.

-

-Peggy deliberated as to what was best to be done. In the first place,

-she wanted to find out for a certainty whether Lyman had really entered

-into a conspiracy against her and meant to abduct Jack without her

-knowledge or consent. It seemed on the whole, the best thing to get up

-herself and follow Jack the next morning, and make sure that Lyman did

-not have a secret conference with him.

-

-When Jack was ready to start out the next morning, Peggy asked with

-apparent carelessness, "Jack, dear, do you ever see the tall gentleman

-that calls here sometimes?"

-

-"Yes, Peggy; I saw him yesterday," answered Jack, readily.

-

-"And what did he say to you?" she asked eagerly.

-

-"He didn't speak to me at all."

-

-"That's a lie!" Peggy said to herself. "He told the bye not to tell."

-But she didn't think it best to charge Jack with it, and so through him

-put Lyman on his guard.

-

-"Remember, lad, you've got no better friend than ould Peggy. If you

-should lave her, she'd die of grafe."

-

-"Thank you, Peggy," said Jack, but he was not much impressed by this

-declaration of affection from one who often beat and systematically

-starved him.

-

-Five minutes after Jack had left the house, Peggy threw on her old

-cloak, and, at a safe distance, followed her youthful charge, meaning to

-keep him under her eye, and watch lest he should be carried off by Lyman

-Taylor. But luckily for Jack, whose meeting with Mark would otherwise

-have been detected, she changed her plan, when she recognized a little

-in advance Lyman himself on State Street.

-

-"It'll be better to watch him," she decided, and gave up following Jack.

-

-Meanwhile Jack had not been at his usual stand more than ten minutes,

-when Mark came up.

-

-"I am glad you are ahead of time, Jack," he said. "Come along with me."

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXXII.

-                            JACK IS PURSUED.

-

-

-"ARE you goin' to take me away to-day?" asked Jack, who wished to be

-assured that the dream was coming true.

-

-"Yes, Jack, but I can't take you away as you are. I know a place near by

-where you can take a good bath. I will leave you then, and go round by

-myself and buy you some clothes. I can guess your size."

-

-He led the way to a barber's shop which advertised baths, procured a

-ticket, and leaving Jack with strict injunctions to wash himself

-thoroughly, sallied out in search of an outfit for his young companion.

-That did not take long. He returned with two good sized bundles, and

-requested Jack to dress himself in them. When Jack emerged from the

-bath-room he was quite transformed. He was still thin, and his features

-looked pinched, but his dress was, in all respects, that of a boy

-belonging to a well-to-do family.

-

-"Now I think I must have your hair cut, and you will do."

-

-In truth, Jack's long, elf-like locks made his face appear even thinner

-than it really was.

-

-"Don't you want to be shaved, too, young man?" asked the barber,

-jocosely.

-

-"Perhaps he wants to be shaved," said Jack, pointing to Mark, with a

-smile.

-

-Mark colored a little, realizing that he scarcely needed that operation

-any more than Jack.

-

-"Now look at yourself in the glass, Jack!" said Mark.

-

-Jack obeyed, and looked first bewildered, then pleased. He thought at

-first that he was looking at another boy.

-

-"Is that me?" he inquired, almost incredulously.

-

-"I think it is. Peggy wouldn't know you," answered Mark, with a smile.

-

-"I don't want her to," answered the little boy.

-

-Mark had forgotten one thing—a pair of shoes. As he scanned Jack

-critically, he noted the omission, and said, "Jack, we must go to a shoe

-store. It will never do for a young gentleman like you to wear a pair of

-shoes out at the toes and sides."

-

-"They don't look very well," said Jack, with a downward look.

-

-"As you may be taken for my son," said Mark gravely, "I want you to look

-well."

-

-"You're only a boy!" said Jack, who was inclined to a literal

-understanding of what was told him.

-

-"You wouldn't take me for twenty-five, then, Jack?"

-

-"No, you're not that, are you?"

-

-"Well, not quite."

-

-They had not far to go to a shoe store, but it took some time to get

-fitted to a pair of shoes, on account of Jack's having a high instep.

-This delay came near wrecking their plans. Tim Roach, who usually passed

-his time in roaming about the streets, without any special occupation,

-caught sight of Jack as he entered the shoe store with Mark. He let his

-eye rest upon him carelessly at first, but his indifferent glance was

-soon succeeded by a look of the most intense amazement.

-

-"My eye!" he exclaimed, "if that isn't little Jack dressed out like a

-prince! What's happened, I wonder, and who's that with him? I jest wish

-he'd rig me out that way."

-

-Tim did not make himself known, but peered curiously in at the door of

-the store.

-

-"I wonder whether Peggy knows about it?" he soliloquized. "I don't

-believe she does. Wouldn't she open her eyes to see the kid rigged out

-that way. I'd like to tell her."

-

-Circumstances seemed to favor the gratification of this wish, for not

-many rods away he caught sight of Peggy and Lyman Taylor talking

-together.

-

-"I'll go and tell her," he said.

-

-We will precede him and relate what had taken place between the two

-schemers. Peggy had started out with the confident belief that Lyman had

-played her false, and meant to carry away Jack without her knowledge or

-consent. It did, indeed, look as if she were correct, for it must be

-remembered that she knew nothing of Mark's mission to Chicago, Lyman not

-having thought it necessary to tell her. She wanted to meet Lyman and

-"have it out with him," if she found any confirmation in her suspicions.

-

-Lyman chanced to turn, and seeing Peggy with her eyes fixed on him,

-retraced his steps till he reached her.

-

-"Do you want to see me, Peggy?" he asked.

-

-"Yes, I wanted to see you, Mr. Lyman Taylor, and ask what you mane by

-tryin' to stale away the bye from me?"

-

-Lyman stared at her in surprise.

-

-"I don't know what you mean," he answered, with a shrug of his

-shoulders. "I thought it was understood that we would restore the boy to

-his grandfather if he would make it worth our while."

-

-"And you didn't mane to take away the bye without my knowin' it?"

-

-"Certainly not. Who told you so?"

-

-"And you haven't told the bye about goin' back to his grandfather?"

-

-"I haven't spoken a word to the boy on the subject."

-

-"Then how did he know about it?"

-

-"Does he know about it?"

-

-Peggy then told her companion about what she had overheard Jack say in

-his sleep the night before. Lyman Taylor was surprised and alarmed, and

-these feelings were so evident on his face that Peggy acquitted him of

-any breach of faith.

-

-"I don't understand it," he said, meditatively. "I have never spoken a

-word about the matter except in your room. Did you ask him about it?"

-

-"I asked him when did he see you, and he said yesterday."

-

-"He might have seen me, but I had no conversation with him."

-

-"So he said."

-

-"He told the truth. I don't think any harm is done, Peggy. He must have

-overheard what we were talking about when we supposed him asleep."

-

-"That's true. Maybe he did."

-

-"That won't interfere with our plans that I can see. I have written to

-my uncle and expect to hear from him in a few days. I will let you know

-what he says as soon as I get the letter."

-

-Then it was that Tim Roach came up, looking preternaturally knowing.

-

-"How are you, Peg?" he said. "Are you walkin' wid your beau?"

-

-"Go away wid you! You're always botherin'."

-

-"You'd orter see what I did jest now," said Tim, wagging his head.

-

-"What did you see, then?"

-

-"I seed your Jack rigged out like a prince in new clothes and a new hat.

-Didn't he look fine?"

-

-"You saw Jack dressed that way?" gasped Peggy.

-

-"Yes, I did."

-

-"You're lyin' now."

-

-"Wish I may die if I didn't."

-

-"Where was he?"

-

-"In Simpson's shoe store, pickin' out a nice new pair of shoes."

-

-"How could the boy get all these things without money?" asked Lyman

-incredulous.

-

-"There was a big boy wid him was buyin' the things."

-

-"A big boy!" repeated Lyman quickly; "how old was he?"

-

-"Maybe sixteen or seventeen."

-

-An expression, full of dismay, overspread Lyman Taylor's face.

-

-"It is Mark Manning!" he exclaimed. "Quick, boy, tell me where he is."

-

-"In Simpson's shoe store."

-

-"And who is Mark Manning?" asked Peggy bewildered.

-

-"The boy his grandfather sent out here to find him. It's he that has

-been telling Jack about his grandfather. Quick, Peggy! we must go and

-stop him, or he'll take Jack away and leave us out in the cold."

-

-The ill-matched pair hurried to the place indicated by Tim.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                            CHAPTER XXXIII.

-                       MARK ELUDES HIS PURSUERS.

-

-

-LITTLE Jack had been fitted with a pair of shoes, and Mark had settled

-for them, when the little boy chancing to look towards the entrance of

-the store, was almost paralyzed by the sight of Peggy and Lyman looking

-in at the window. His eyes were good, and he could read on Peggy's face

-a malicious exultation, which boded ill for him when he should again

-find himself in her clutches.

-

-Mark, who had not seen them, noticed the fear upon the face of his

-little charge.

-

-"What's the matter, Jack?" he asked.

-

-"It's them!" answered Jack, hoarsely.

-

-"Who's them?"

-

-"Peggy—and the gentleman."

-

-"Where are they?"

-

-"Looking in at the winder."

-

-Mark had his wits about him, and did not turn round. He wished Peggy and

-her confederate to think themselves undiscovered, while he rapidly

-considered what was best to be done.

-

-Should he leave the store by the front door, Jack would at once be

-pounced upon by Peggy, and there would be a scene.

-

-He might eventually recover Jack, but in the meantime the boy would be

-ill-treated, stripped of his good clothes, and perhaps carried out of

-the city. Just as success seemed assured, he was confronted by defeat.

-

-What was to be done?

-

-Mark was not a boy to give in, unless compelled to do so. An idea came

-to him.

-

-"Jack," he said in a low voice, "don't look towards the window again.

-Don't let them know you have seen them."

-

-"You won't let Peggy get hold of me!" said the boy in a trembling voice.

-

-"Not if I can help it."

-

-Turning to the salesman who had waited upon him, Mark said:

-

-"There are some people at the door that I want to avoid meeting. Is

-there any back entrance to the store?"

-

-"Yes," answered the clerk.

-

-"Will you be kind enough to guide us to it?"

-

-"Certainly."

-

-"Don't look behind you, Jack, but come with me. Don't be alarmed!"

-

-The salesman guided them to a door opening on a narrow street. Boxes of

-goods were so piled up, that this door could not be seen from the window

-into which Peggy and Lyman were looking.

-

-"Where are they going?" Peggy asked.

-

-"To look at some goods in the back part of the store," answered Lyman.

-

-This reassured Peggy, who kept her position, feeling sure that Jack

-could not escape her when he came out.

-

-"I'll sell his new clothes," she thought complacently. "I'll be in luck

-after all."

-

-Once out of the store, Mark looked about him. He felt that it behooved

-him to get beyond the reach of Jack's pursuers as soon as possible.

-Circumstances favored him. Just at the head of the street, he saw a lady

-descend from a hack.

-

-"Hurry up, Jack," he said. "We'll get into this cab."

-

-The driver was about to drive away, after settling with his fare, when

-Mark hailed him.

-

-"Are you unengaged?" he asked.

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Can you drive me at once to the Union Depot in Van Buren Street?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-He dismounted from the box, opened the door for his next passengers, and

-they got in. Then resuming his place on the box, he drove rapidly away.

-

-It so chanced that he passed by the front of the very store from which

-they had just emerged.

-

-Little Jack stole a glance out of the window of the cab.

-

-"There's Peg!" he said.

-

-Following his example, Mark also caught sight of the two with their

-faces glued to the window, still looking in, unconscious that their prey

-had escaped them.

-

-Mark smiled. He felt like a victor, and rather enjoyed the thought of

-having outgeneraled the fox.

-

-"I hope they'll have a good time watching for us, Jack," he said.

-

-The little boy still felt nervous.

-

-"Do you think they'll catch me?" he asked.

-

-"No, Jack, I think they'll get left this time."

-

-The cab made its way rapidly through the crowded streets, and in a very

-short time drew up at the Union Depot.

-

-Mark paid the driver, and accompanied by Jack, made his way to the

-ticket office.

-

-"How soon will there be a train East?" he asked.

-

-"In ten minutes."

-

-"That will suit us, Jack."

-

-He bought tickets, and, the cars being ready, they took their seats in a

-comfortable car of the Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad.

-

-"If they should come here!" suggested Jack, nervously.

-

-"They would have to run fast, if our train leaves on time. There is no

-danger, Jack. Even if they suspect that we have left the store, they

-wouldn't know where we are gone."

-

-Still, even Mark felt relieved and reassured when the signal was given

-and the long train began to steam out of the depot.

-

-"Wouldn't you like to go back and bid Peggy good-by?" he asked,

-jocosely.

-

-"I hope I shall never see Peggy again," answered the little boy,

-shuddering.

-

-"If you ever do, there won't be any danger of her doing you any harm.

-Your grandfather will take care of that."

-

-In his hurry to leave the city, Mark had been compelled to leave his

-bill at the hotel unpaid, but his valise was left behind as security. At

-the first opportunity he telegraphed to the land-lord, promising to

-remit the necessary money, and asking him to hold the valise till

-instructed where to send it by express.

-

-We will now go back to Peggy and Lyman, who were impatiently maintaining

-their watch at the window of the shoe store.

-

-When fifteen minutes had passed, and Jack and Mark did not appear, they

-became alarmed.

-

-"Where are they?" muttered Peggy. "It's long enough they are stayin'."

-

-"You are right, Peggy."

-

-Just then a policeman tapped him on the shoulder. He had been watching

-them for some time and their conduct seemed to him suspicious.

-

-"What are you doing here, my man?" he asked, suspiciously. "You had

-better move on."

-

-"We are waiting for some one to come out," answered Lyman.

-

-"How long do you mean to wait? Is this woman with you?"

-

-"Yes," answered Lyman, reluctantly, for he was not proud of his

-companion, whose appearance was hardly calculated to do him credit.

-

-"Shure, my little bye has been shtole," she put in, "and he's in the

-store now wid the man that shtole him."

-

-"Then you'd better go in and claim him instead of standing here and

-blocking up the sidewalk."

-

-"I think I will follow your advice," said Lyman. "Will you be kind

-enough to stay here a minute, in case I need your help?"

-

-"Very well; only be quick."

-

-Lyman entered the store, and failing to see Jack and Mark, addressed one

-of the salesmen.

-

-"Two boys were in here a short time since," he said; "one large one and

-one small one. Can you tell me where they are?"

-

-It happened that the salesman addressed was the same one who had guided

-the boys to the back entrance. At least fifteen minutes had elapsed, and

-there would be no danger in telling the truth.

-

-"They went away some time since," he answered.

-

-"They did not go out the front door, for I've been there all the time."

-

-"There's another door," quietly retorted the clerk.

-

-"Where?" asked Lyman, in dismay.

-

-"In the rear of the store."

-

-"Sold, by thunder!" exclaimed Lyman, under his breath. "How long have

-they been gone?"

-

-"Fifteen minutes. Were they friends of yours?"

-

-"The small boy was my son," answered Lyman, unblushingly.

-

-"And was the woman I saw with you at the window his mother?" asked the

-salesman, with a smile.

-

-"Certainly not," answered Lyman, coloring with indignation. "The older

-boy has abducted him."

-

-"Why didn't you come in sooner, then?"

-

-"I wish I had."

-

-Great was Peggy's dismay when Lyman told her what he had learned. She

-had fully decided to beat Jack soundly, and now she was baffled of her

-revenge. The two confederates spent the rest of the day in wandering

-about the streets of Chicago in search of Jack and his friend, but their

-search was in vain.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXXIV.

-                     MRS. MANNING'S HOUSE IS SOLD.

-

-

-IT is now time to return to Pocasset and inquire how our old

-acquaintances are prospering.

-

-It was still a matter of wonder what had become of Mark. Mrs. Manning

-gave no information, and no letters were received at the post-office

-which would throw light on the mystery. Mark, by arrangement, directed

-all his letters to Mr. Hardy, who inclosed and forwarded them to the

-Pocasset office. Tom Wyman, the postmaster's son, was puzzled to account

-for the letters received from New York by Mrs. Manning.

-

-"They must be from Mark," said James Collins.

-

-"They don't seem to be in Mark's hand-writing."

-

-"He probably gets some one to direct them for him, so as to throw dust

-in our eyes."

-

-This was the conclusion upon which the two boys finally settled.

-

-Another cause of wonder was the hermit's visits to the city. Since he

-had heard that his grandson was living, he went up often to consult with

-Mr. Hardy. Family affection in him had not died out. It had only been

-dormant, and now it was thoroughly reawakened.

-

-"I long to see my daughter's boy," he said. "It will give me something

-to live for. I tremble lest the cup of happiness should be dashed from

-my lips, just as my hopes are awakened."

-

-"Don't be anxious, old friend. Your affairs are in good hands. Mark is

-only a boy, but he has far more discretion and fidelity than most men.

-Do you know what I have in view?"

-

-"Well?"

-

-"If he succeeds in this enterprise I propose, with his mother's

-permission, to take him into my office, and train him up in my business.

-I have hitherto employed boys simply as boys, but Mark is one whom I can

-train up for a responsible position. I am getting older every year, and

-when I am really old, I shall be glad to have a young man at my side

-upon whom I can shift the burden of my business. Do you think his mother

-would object?"

-

-"Mrs. Manning is a sensible woman. I think she will be glad to have her

-son so well provided for. If it is necessary I will myself advise her to

-commit him to your charge."

-

-At length a telegram came from Mark, and by good luck when Mr. Taylor

-was in the office of his agent. It ran thus:

-

-    "JOHN HARDY, NEW YORK.

-

-    "I am on my way to New York with little Jack. Particulars when we

-    meet.

-

-                                                         "MARK MANNING."

-

-"There, old friend, what do you say to that?" asked John Hardy,

-triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you the boy would succeed? Was my

-confidence misplaced?"

-

-"He had my confidence from the first," said Anthony, his face luminous

-with happiness, "but I knew he had an adroit enemy in my nephew Lyman. I

-didn't dare to expect that a country boy would be equal to the

-emergency."

-

-"Now, you can go home with a light heart. In a day or two, your grandson

-will be with you. What are your plans respecting him? Shall you take him

-to Pocasset?"

-

-"I don't think I can do better. He will need a woman's care, and I know

-of no one who will prove kinder than Mrs. Manning."

-

-"She has this in her favor at any rate. She has brought up her own boy

-well. But will the house be large or comfortable enough?"

-

-"I am not very particular for myself. You will judge that when you

-remember the cabin in the woods, where I spent several years. The house

-is small, however, but there is another vacant, much larger and

-handsomer, which I can buy or rent, already furnished. The owner and

-occupant died recently, and his heirs, living in a distant state, want

-to sell it. It has a handsome lawn and a garden attached. It stands near

-the house of Mr. Collins."

-

-"Well, you are able to gratify your own taste in the matter. I will send

-Mark down as soon as he arrives."

-

-When Anthony reached home, he found Mrs. Manning anxious and perturbed.

-The cause will require some explanation.

-

-The small cottage in which Mark and his mother lived did not belong to

-them. They rented it from Deacon Brooks, an old farmer living just out

-of the village, at five-dollars monthly rental. For a special reason

-Squire Collins desired to possess it. He owned the lot adjoining, and it

-occurred to him that the two combined would make a desirable property.

-The house, which was a cottage, could be raised one story, and made much

-more commodious. In that case, it would easily command more than twice

-the rent. The foreman of the shoe-shop stood prepared to rent it of him,

-as soon as the alteration was made.

-

-He therefore approached Deacon Brooks, with a proposition to purchase

-it.

-

-"I don't know," said the deacon. "I never thought of sellin', but I

-can't say I'm opposed to it. I'm getting good rent from the widder

-Manning."

-

-"There's no knowing, deacon, how long she'll be able to pay her rent,"

-said the squire, nodding with a meaning look.

-

-"Sho! you don't say! She ain't lost any money, has she?"

-

-"She had none to lose. Her boy Mark has about supported her with his

-small earnings in the shop. But he isn't employed there any longer."

-

-"I heard something of that. Did you discharge him?"

-

-"Yes; he got too uppish—wasn't willing to obey orders. I was sorry to

-discharge him on his mother's account, but it was his own fault."

-

-"Seems to me I haven't seen him round the village lately?"

-

-"No; he has gone to the city on some wild-goose expedition. My boy James

-thinks he is blacking boots or selling papers. As to that I can't say,

-but it isn't likely he is able to help his mother much."

-

-"I hear Mrs. Manning has a boarder?"

-

-"Yes; it's the old hermit that lived in the woods. I believe he has a

-small pension from some relations, but it doesn't amount to much.

-Probably he doesn't pay more than two or three dollars a week board.

-That won't go far, eh, deacon?"

-

-"You're right there, squire. It costs a sight to live. How much do you

-think my grocery bill came to last month?"

-

-"I don't know," answered the squire, with a curious smile. The deacon

-had the reputation of being very close-fisted, and it was rather amusing

-to hear him speak of the cost of living.

-

-"Fifteen dollars and sixty-seven cents," said the deacon, with the air

-of one who hardly expected to be believed.

-

-"I believe you have six in family," said Squire Collins, with a smile.

-

-"Yes, six, including the hired man."

-

-"I pity your family," thought the squire, who, at all events, kept a

-liberal table.

-

-"Yes, it costs a great deal to live," he added, "and, of course, the

-Widow Manning, though her family is small, can't live on nothing. When

-she finds she can't pay all her bills, she will probably begin by being

-remiss in her rent."

-

-"That's so, squire! She's allus paid so far right up to the handle,

-though."

-

-"When she had Mark's help; but as I told you he is not now in a

-condition to help his mother. Well, what do you say? Shall I have the

-house?"

-

-Then commenced the bargaining. Both parties were sharp, but at length a

-conclusion was reached. Squire Collins agreed to pay eight hundred and

-fifty dollars for the cottage, five hundred to remain on bond and

-mortgage, at six per cent. In a day or two the necessary papers were

-made out, and then Squire Collins took a walk over to the cottage, to

-inform Mrs. Manning that the house had passed into his possession, and

-it would be necessary for her to find another home.

-

-It might have been supposed he would feel some compunction, but he did

-not have much feeling or sympathy for the widow. The ill-feeling between

-Mark and his son had its effect upon him also.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXXV.

-                            NOTICE TO QUIT.

-

-

-THERE are some men who enjoy the prospect of dealing a blow, and

-watching the effect—men whose best feelings have been deadened, and who

-have lost all sympathy for those less fortunate than themselves. That

-Squire Collins was a man of this kind will not seem strange to those who

-have followed the course of this story. He set out for Mrs. Manning's

-cottage with a comfortable complacency, though he knew that the

-communication he had to make would bring her great trouble and sorrow.

-

-Quite unconscious of the impending blow, Mrs. Manning was sitting at the

-front window engaged in sewing, while her thoughts were with her absent

-boy, whom she seemed to miss more and more as his absence lengthened.

-Casually looking up from her work, she saw with considerable surprise

-the dignified figure of Squire Collins turning in at her gate.

-

-"What can bring the squire here," she thought. She was not in the habit

-of receiving or expecting calls from her aristocratic townsman, and

-concluded that he must have some special object in calling.

-

-Perhaps he had come to offer to take Mark back into the shop. If so, it

-might be the best thing for her son. She knew very little of old

-Anthony's circumstances, and she did not anticipate any permanent

-position for Mark from that quarter.

-

-"Good morning, Squire Collins," she said, politely.

-

-"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," he responded, somewhat stiffly.

-

-"Won't you come in?"

-

-"Thank you; I will step in for a few minutes, I have a little business

-to speak of."

-

-"It must be that he means to take Mark back into the shop," thought the

-widow, cheerfully.

-

-She led the way into the plain sitting-room, and invited the village

-magnate to take a seat.

-

-"Ahem! your son Mark is away?" remarked the squire, inquiringly. This

-confirmed Mrs. Manning in her conjecture as to the squire's errand.

-

-"Yes," she answered; "but I think he will be at home before long. I miss

-him a great deal."

-

-"I suppose he can't make a living in New York," thought the squire.

-Rather fortunately he didn't inquire where Mark was, since this would

-have embarrassed Mrs. Manning, who knew that it was a secret not to be

-mentioned, and yet would have been reluctant to offend the squire by

-withholding the information.

-

-"Probably he will be as well off at home," said the squire. "I don't

-believe much in boys leaving home on wild-goose expeditions. They think

-it perfectly easy to earn a living elsewhere, but they are pretty apt to

-reap only disappointment."

-

-"I dare say you are right, squire," said Mrs. Manning, leading up to the

-subject of a return to the shop; "but there didn't seem to be anything

-for Mark to do at home."

-

-Squire Collins understood her object, but had no intention of offering

-employment to Mark. He looked at the widow with a peculiar smile, and

-enjoyed the disappointment which his next words were calculated to

-bring.

-

-"I dare say Mark can hire out to some good farmer," he replied,

-indifferently. "Farming is a good healthy business."

-

-Mrs. Manning sighed, for she rightly interpreted that no place in the

-shop was to be offered to Mark.

-

-"Ahem!" said the squire, changing the subject; "you have a boarder, I

-understand?"

-

-"Yes; Mr. Taylor makes his home with us."

-

-"A sensible move on his part. It was a strange thing to live in the

-woods by himself so many years. I hope he will be able to pay his

-board."

-

-"He pays regularly every week," answered the widow.

-

-"I presume he's quite poor?"

-

-"Mark thinks he has considerable money, but I have no means of judging,

-except that he pays his bills promptly."

-

-Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.

-

-"Mark is an inexperienced boy," he said. "The truth is, as I understand,

-old Anthony receives a small pension from some relatives in New York. It

-can't be much, but I hope, for your sake, that he has enough to pay his

-board."

-

-Mrs. Manning began to wonder whether this was what Squire Collins came

-to talk about. She was soon more fully informed.

-

-"How long have you lived in this cottage, Mrs. Manning?" asked the

-squire.

-

-"Ten years, sir."

-

-"You hire of Deacon Brooks?"

-

-"Yes, sir."

-

-"Ahem! I came here this morning to acquaint you with the fact that I

-have just bought the property."

-

-"Has Deacon Brooks sold to you?" asked the widow, in surprise.

-

-"Yes; the papers have passed, and the transfer has been made. I am now

-the legal owner."

-

-"I shall be glad to keep the house, Squire Collins, if you have no other

-views," said Mrs. Manning. "I have been paying five dollars a month

-rent, and if that is satisfactory——"

-

-"The fact is, Mrs. Manning," interrupted the squire, "I _have_ other

-views. I intend to raise the house a story, and have promised to rent

-it, when completed, to my foreman, Mr. Lake, who contemplates marriage.

-He is boarding at present, as you know."

-

-Mrs. Manning was very much disturbed. It is no light thing to be forced

-to leave a house which has been one's home for a period of ten years,

-especially in a country town where surplus houses are generally scarce

-and hard to find.

-

-"I don't know where I can go," said the widow, anxiously.

-

-"No doubt you'll find some place," said the squire, carelessly.

-

-"How soon do you want me to vacate the house, Squire Collins?" asked

-Mrs. Manning, anxiously.

-

-"At the end of the month."

-

-"But that is only a week from to-day."

-

-"Quite true."

-

-"That is a very short time."

-

-"It ought to be time enough, Mrs. Manning," said the squire, stiffly.

-

-"I would be willing to pay a little higher rent if you would allow me to

-remain, Squire Collins."

-

-"Quite out of the question, Mrs. Manning. Indeed, I will say that I

-think you already pay all you can afford to. I doubt whether you will be

-able—with Mark out of employment—to keep up your present rent. As I

-understand, about all your income comes from a boarder, whose means must

-be extremely limited, and who, in all probability, will end his days in

-the alms-house."

-

-"I don't know of any other house in the village."

-

-"Well, you can think it over; of course that is your own affair, not

-mine."

-

-"If Mark were only at home," said the perplexed woman; "I would know

-better what to do."

-

-"You had better send for him then. Good morning."

-

-Squire Collins rose and left the presence of the widow whom he had made

-thoroughly anxious and unhappy.

-

-In the course of the afternoon old Anthony came home. He was looking

-unusually jubilant and happy, in direct contrast with the widow's

-anxious face.

-

-"Mrs. Manning," he said, "I bring you good news."

-

-"I am glad of it, sir, for I have only bad news."

-

-"And what is your bad news?"

-

-"I must leave this house."

-

-"How is that?" asked the hermit, looking surprised.

-

-"Because it has been sold. Squire Collins has bought it, and says that

-he is intending to enlarge it, and then let it to Mr. Lake, his

-foreman."

-

-"And that is all your bad news?"

-

-"Yes, sir; but I consider it bad enough. I don't know where I can go."

-

-"I will let you have my cabin in the woods rent free," said the hermit,

-with a smile.

-

-"I don't know but I shall have to go there," said the widow, sighing.

-

-"You don't ask me what my good news is," said Anthony.

-

-"I would like to hear it, sir."

-

-"By day after to-morrow Mark will be home."

-

-Mrs. Manning's face did brighten up at this intelligence.

-

-"This is really good news," she said gladly. "Mark will advise me what

-to do."

-

-"Mark will not come alone. Do you think, Mrs. Manning, you can

-accommodate another boarder?"

-

-"Who is it, sir?"

-

-"A little boy. I don't care to keep it secret. It is my grandson."

-

-"Your grandson?"

-

-"Yes; I sent Mark out West to find him. He has succeeded in his mission,

-and the two are now on the way home."

-

-"I shall be glad to take him, sir, if I have anywhere to receive him.

-Squire Collins's visit has rather upset me, and I don't know what to do,

-or where to turn."

-

-"If your only trouble is about a house, I will undertake to find one for

-you. Don't borrow any trouble on that score."

-

-"But I don't know of any house that will come within my means."

-

-"I am afraid, Mrs. Manning, that you haven't confidence in me. I tell

-you again, not to borrow any trouble. I may as well tell you that this

-house will not be large enough for your increased family, and that I

-intended to propose to you to take another."

-

-The widow's anxiety was somewhat relieved. Still she could not help

-wondering what house old Anthony would succeed in finding. There was one

-comfort. In two days Mark would be at home, and would be able to help

-him.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                             CHAPTER XXXVI.

-                      THE HERMIT SECURES A HOUSE.

-

-

-A SHORT distance from the house occupied by Squire Collins was one which

-had been for six months vacant. It had been erected as a summer

-residence by a New York gentleman, and occupied by him for several

-seasons. It was the finest house in the village, and it seemed a pity it

-should remain untenanted.

-

-Mr. Beech, the builder, now spent his summers at various

-watering-places, and had apparently tired of Pocasset. It was understood

-that the house was left in the hands of Mr. Thompson, who was authorized

-to let it to a responsible tenant.

-

-Old Anthony the next morning made it in his way to call at the office of

-Mr. Thompson. The latter received him with his usual courtesy.

-

-"I hear that you are boarding with Mrs. Manning, Mr. Taylor," he said.

-

-"Yes."

-

-"I think you must find it much more agreeable than your life in the

-woods."

-

-"I do; I am getting over my misanthropy, and am taking more cheerful

-views of life."

-

-"That is good. My son Frank is an intimate friend of Mark, and thinks a

-great deal of him and his mother."

-

-"So do I," responded the hermit. "Mark is a straightforward boy, and

-will succeed life."

-

-"I hope so. I wish I had anything for him to do—Frank would be glad.

-Perhaps in time I may find him a place."

-

-"I think I shall be able to provide employment for Mark myself," said

-the hermit, quietly.

-

-Mr. Thompson regarded him with surprise. Like the rest of the villagers,

-he had been in the habit of regarding old Anthony as a man of limited

-means.

-

-"By-the-way, Mr. Thompson, I called this morning on a little matter of

-business," continued the hermit. "I believe you have the rental of the

-Beach house."

-

-"Yes," answered Mr. Thompson, somewhat surprised.

-

-"I am acquainted with a family who are on the lookout for a house in

-Groveton. This, I think, would suit them, if the rent is not too high."

-

-"It is, you know, a fine house. Would your friends like to have it

-furnished?"

-

-"I think so."

-

-"In that case, the rent will be four hundred dollars a year, or a

-hundred dollars a quarter. In the city, or at Long Branch, as you

-probably are aware, four times as much would be required."

-

-"I think that will be satisfactory. Can immediate possession be given?"

-

-"Yes; I will at once set the cleaners to work, and have it got ready by

-the end of the week. One question I am obliged to ask. Is the party for

-whom you are acting, responsible, in a pecuniary way?"

-

-"The first quarter's rent will be paid in advance."

-

-"Pretty satisfactory. May I ask the name of the tenant?"

-

-"There are reasons for keeping it secret for a few days."

-

-"Oh, well, that is not material."

-

-Old Anthony never said a word about what he had done, for, as my readers

-will conjecture, he meant to have Mark and his mother occupy the house.

-It did, however, get noised about, that Mr. Beach's house was taken.

-Squire Collins among others, was curious to ascertain something about

-the new tenants, and made a call on Mr. Thompson, with the special

-object of finding out.

-

-"I am no wiser than you, Squire Collins," said Mr. Thompson. "Of course

-we shall all know in a few days."

-

-"By whom was the matter negotiated?"

-

-"There again I am bound to secrecy, but all will be known."

-

-"Of course the party must have ample means, and I look forward to having

-a pleasant neighbor—there are very few in the village with whom we can

-associate, on an equality, and so any good family is an acquisition."

-

-"You are more fastidious than I, Squire Collins," said Mr. Thompson

-smiling. "I don't value men according to the size of their

-pocket-books."

-

-"You must admit, however, that refinement and wealth are likely to go

-together. You are not too democratic for that?"

-

-"I am not sure. I have known many rich people who were very far from

-being refined. By-the-way, I hear that you have bought the house

-occupied by Mrs. Manning."

-

-"Yes."

-

-"Shall you allow her to remain there?"

-

-"No; I mean to enlarge it, and let my foreman occupy it."

-

-"That will be a disappointment to Mrs. Manning."

-

-"Oh, I suppose so," said the squire, carelessly; "but that is her

-lookout, not mine."

-

-"I really don't know of any house in the village she can obtain."

-

-Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.

-

-"I really haven't troubled my mind about the matter," he said.

-

-"If I had time, I don't know but I would build them a small cottage on

-the vacant lot I have on Glen Street."

-

-"Take my advice, and don't; the widow is in very precarious

-circumstances. Her son, Mark, is out of employment."

-

-"Can't you find him something to do, in your shop?"

-

-"I could, but do not feel disposed to. He is a very independent boy, and

-more than once, he treated my son, James, in a disrespectful way. No; he

-must shift for himself some other way."

-

-"Of the two boys, I certainly very much prefer Mark," thought Mr.

-Thompson; but politeness prevented his saying so.

-

-Squire Collins soon took his leave, having failed to acquire the

-information he sought.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

-                            CHAPTER XXXVII.

-                              CONCLUSION.

-

-

-MEANWHILE, Mrs. Manning could not help feeling anxious, about her

-prospects of a house.

-

-"Have you heard of any house, Mr. Taylor?" she asked.

-

-The hermit smiled.

-

-"Don't be troubled, Mrs. Manning," he said; "when you leave this house

-you will find another one to move into."

-

-Mrs. Manning was silenced, but still disquieted. She was even tempted to

-wonder whether old Anthony was really quite right in his mind. But there

-was nothing to be done. She could only wait, patiently.

-

-The next day Mark arrived with little Jack. He was looking unusually

-well, his journey having given him a healthy color, and added to his

-flesh. Jack was still thin and pale, but was beginning to look better

-than when under Peggy's care.

-

-[Illustration: The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms

-and kissed him.]

-

-The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms and kissed

-him.

-

-"I can see my daughter's looks in you, Jack," he said. "I fear your life

-has been a sad one, poor child. It shall be my task to repay you for the

-hardships you have had to meet in your short life."

-

-Little Jack seemed to take instinctively to the rough-looking but,

-kind-hearted old man. The poor match boy seemed to have drifted into a

-haven of rest.

-

-"Shall I ever have to go back to Peggy?" he asked.

-

-"Never, my child. This good lady," indicating Mrs. Manning, "will supply

-the place of your own mother."

-

-"I will sell matches for you, if you want me to, grandfather. I didn't

-like working for Peggy, but I will work for you."

-

-"My dear Jack, instead of working you must go to school, and learn all

-you can. When you are grown up, it will be time for you to work."

-

-It soon became noised about that the little boy, who was seen about the

-village with Mark, was the hermit's grandson. But the grandson of old

-Anthony was not considered a very important person, and only excited

-passing interest.

-

-Mark was let into the secret of the new home to which Mr. Taylor

-proposed to move, and he was naturally pleased to think that his

-mother's condition was to be so much improved.

-

-Nothing had leaked out in the village, however, about the contemplated

-removal.

-

-The week was nearly ended when Mark happened to meet James Collins in

-the street. James had been informed by his father that Mrs. Manning had

-received notice to leave the cottage, and it gratified his dislike of

-Mark. What puzzled him was, Mark's apparent indifference and evident

-good spirits.

-

-"Perhaps he thinks my father will relent, and let him stay, but he'll

-find himself mistaken as I shall let him know when I get a chance."

-

-The chance came that very day.

-

-"Hallo!" said James, as Mark was about to pass him.

-

-"Hallo!" responded Mark smiling.

-

-"I hear you've got to move."

-

-"So I hear."

-

-"It's high time you were finding a new house."

-

-"I think so myself, but that's my mother's business."

-

-"You needn't think my father will let you stay where you are."

-

-"Don't you think he would let us stay a month longer?"

-

-"No, I don't."

-

-"He wouldn't put us out in the street, would he?"

-

-"Look here, Mark Manning, I see what you are at. You want to impose on

-my father's good nature. I shall warn him of your plan."

-

-"Just as you please, James."

-

-The result was that Squire Collins, sharing to some extent his son's

-apprehensions, made a call that same evening at the cottage. All the

-family were at home.

-

-After the usual greetings were over, the squire said:

-

-"I suppose, Mrs. Manning, you will be ready to move on Saturday?"

-

-"Suppose my mother can't get a house," suggested Mark.

-

-"She _must_ find a house," said the squire, severely. "She has had time

-enough to find one. You mustn't blame me if I say that move you must on

-Saturday."

-

-"You need have no anxiety, Squire Collins," said Mrs. Manning, with

-dignity. "I intend to move on that day."

-

-"And where, may I ask?" inquired the squire, with curiosity.

-

-"We move into the Beach house," answered Mark, his eyes fixed with

-smiling interest on the village magnate.

-

-"What!" exclaimed the squire in amazement and incredulity. "Do you mean

-the house near mine?"

-

-"Yes."

-

-"You must be crazy," he gasped. "That is a very elegant house, and the

-rent is high."

-

-"I think we can pay it."

-

-"And your furniture is unfit for so handsome a residence, even if there

-were enough of it."

-

-"We hire the house with its present furniture," said Mark complacently.

-

-"I don't understand it at all!" exclaimed the perplexed squire. "How can

-you, being almost a beggar, dream of living there?"

-

-"I think, Squire Collins," said old Anthony, quietly, "that you are

-somewhat in error as to my young friend Mark's circumstances."

-

-"What do you mean?"

-

-"I mean that he has a very good property for a boy of his age."

-

-Mark was as much amazed as the squire at this statement. The latter said

-with a sneer:

-

-"And where is this famous property?"

-

-"I will inform you with pleasure. There are a thousand dollars to his

-credit in a savings' bank in New York, and he holds a mortgage of four

-thousand dollars on your manufactory."

-

-Even Mark thought Anthony was out of his mind.

-

-"Why," stammered the squire, "I negotiated that mortgage through Mr.

-Hardy, of New York."

-

-"Exactly! The money he advanced he held in trust for Mark."

-

-"I can't believe this!" exclaimed the squire in mortification and

-bewilderment.

-

-"Is this really true, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mark.

-

-"Yes. Let me inform you, Squire Collins, that though I have lived as a

-hermit, I am really a moderately rich man, and some time since

-transferred without his knowledge five thousand dollars to Mark here,

-who, as you see, is really chief owner of the shop from which you

-discharged him."

-

-"I didn't dream of this!" ejaculated the squire.

-

-"I presume not," said the hermit dryly.

-

-"If Mark chooses to come back into the shop, I will raise his wages."

-

-"My friend Hardy intends to offer Mark a position in his office in the

-city, which I think will suit him better. It only remains to say that

-this cottage will be vacated on Saturday."

-

-"I don't want to inconvenience Mrs. Manning," said the squire, filled

-with respect by the unexpected prosperity of those whom he had come to

-bully. "Stay another week if you wish."

-

-"We don't wish, thank you," said Mark.

-

-It was a wonderful story that Squire Collins had to tell at home, and

-the deep chagrin of James can be imagined. But he was worldly wise, and

-he soon decided to court the boy he had hitherto despised. What annoyed

-him most was the thought Mark held a mortgage on his father's shop, and

-was to live in a house handsomer than his own.

-

-                               ----------

-

-Five years have elapsed since the incidents recorded above. Mark fills a

-responsible position in the office of Mr. Hardy, with a handsome salary.

-Little Jack is now a rosy, healthy child of thirteen, and those who

-remembered him as a match boy would not know him now. His grandfather's

-happiness is bound up in his little grandson, but he is still very much

-attached to Mark, and he has made a new will, in which he divides his

-fortune equally between these two.

-

-Lyman Taylor is again within the walls of a penitentiary, having forged

-a check upon a well-known merchant of Chicago; and old Peggy, taking

-Jack's place, is to be seen any day on Clark or State streets, with a

-basket of matches, which she makes an excuse for appealing to the

-charity of passers by. Her face is growing redder and redder, as her

-potations increase, and she will probably end her career in a hospital

-or alms-house.

-

-James Collins is now a clerk in Newport, on a small salary, with which

-he is very much discontented, and from time to time asks a loan of his

-old schoolfellow, Mark, to whom he is now compelled to look up. He has

-developed extravagant tastes, and is always in debt. I greatly fear that

-neither his habits nor his fortunes will improve as he grows older. For

-our hero, Mark, and those who belong to him, we may anticipate brighter

-days and greater prosperity, as a fitting recompense of industry and

-good habits.

-

-

-

-

-                                THE END.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers,

-52-58 Duane Street, New York

-

-                             --------------

-

-BOOKS FOR BOYS.

-

-

-=Joe's Luck=: A Boy's Adventures in California. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing

-situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and

-the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike

-Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is

-certainly one of his best.

-

-=Tom the Bootblack=; or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all

-ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better

-himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.

-Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad.

-The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a

-comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.

-

-=Dan the Newsboy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price

-$1.00.

-

-Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is

-pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of

-New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the

-Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house

-where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little

-heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities that

-she adopts him as her heir.

-

-=Tony the Hero=: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By HORATIO ALGER,

-JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of

-Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and

-gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large

-estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him down a

-deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him, and by

-a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is prosperous. A

-very entertaining book.

-

-=The Errand Boy=; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.

-12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart

-country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named

-Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent

-troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the situation of

-errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.

-

-=Tom Temple's Career.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,

-price $1.00.

-

-Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village to

-seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to

-California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that

-the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have

-been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style.

-

-=Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for

-himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a

-situation as a cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a

-wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter helps

-the lad to gain success and fortune.

-

-=Tom Thatcher's Fortune.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his

-mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John

-Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts

-overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is

-told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so

-many homes.

-

-=The Train Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price

-$1.00.

-

-Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother and

-sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee

-Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a

-young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul

-is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude

-takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is

-well started on the road to business prominence.

-

-=Mark Mason's Victory.= The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By

-HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily

-won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many

-difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who

-regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.

-

-=A Debt of Honor.= The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West.

-By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and

-disappointments which he passed through before he attained success, will

-interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful

-author.

-

-=Ben Bruce.= Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By HORATIO ALGER,

-JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,

-and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success,

-are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's

-most fascinating style.

-

-=The Castaways=; or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen

-leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the

-coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through

-her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the

-leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the

-cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr.

-Otis is a prime favorite.

-

-=Wrecked on Spider Island=; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By

-JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a

-livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers

-a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount of

-treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the voyage

-serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious

-boy could desire.

-

-=The Search for the Silver City=: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By

-JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day

-Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and

-then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the

-wonderful Sliver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the help

-of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images from

-the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape is

-effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting

-incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and

-realism of the narrative.

-

-=A Runaway Brig=; or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering

-sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with

-Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob

-Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document which

-enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on an island

-and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be

-fascinated with this entertaining story.

-

-=The Treasure Finders=: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By JAMES OTIS.

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's

-indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The

-boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three

-golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest

-difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We

-doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The

-Treasure Finders."

-

-=Jack, the Hunchback.= A Story of the Coast of Maine. By JAMES OTIS.

-Price $1.00.

-

-This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elisabeth, on

-the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. From

-first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us

-along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses

-its force.

-

-=With Washington at Monmouth=: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By

-JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price

-$1.50.

-

-Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and

-frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British occupied

-the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully

-drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given shown

-that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable study.

-The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis'

-works.

-

-=With Lafayette at Yorktown=: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the

-Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges,

-illustrated, price $1.50.

-

-Two lads from Portmouth, N. H. attempt to enlist in the Colonial Army,

-and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting

-incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful

-excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with,

-and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and Ned

-Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain in his

-memory long after that which he has memorized from text books has been

-forgotten.

-

-=At the Siege of Havana.= Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving

-under Israel Putnam in 1762. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth,

-olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.

-

-"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's history

-when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the assistance

-given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. Israel Putnam.

-

-The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as

-telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas Vallet.

-Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily, in the

-tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on

-historical facts.

-

-=The Defense of Fort Henry.= A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By JAMES

-OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.

-

-Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or

-thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who

-founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The

-recital of what Elisabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can

-be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and his

-gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice of

-blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers.

-

-=The Capture of the Laughing Mary.= A Story of Three New York Boys in

-1776. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.

-

-"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the

-Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's

-person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They do

-some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an American

-navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis'

-books are too well-known to require any particular commendation to the

-young."—Evening Post.

-

-=With Warren at Bunker Hill.= A Story of the Siege of Boston. By JAMES

-OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.

-

-"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after the

-doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life in

-Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, shows

-Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle of

-Bunker Hill and closes with the raising of the siege. The three heroes,

-George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of

-a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will like to

-read."—Detroit Free Press.

-

-=With the Swamp Fox.= The Story of General Marion's Spies. By JAMES

-OTIS. 12mo, cloth, Illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the

-Carolinas. General Marlon's arrival to take command of these brave men

-and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although

-the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever present

-in the mind of the reader.

-

-=On the Kentucky Frontier.= A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the

-West. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.

-

-In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than that

-of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers-men.

-Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the arrival of

-Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was captured. He

-relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which is not usually

-touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. This is one of

-the most entertaining books for young people which has been published.

-

-=Sarah Dillard's Ride.= A Story of South Carolina in 1780. By JAMES

-OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail

-of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's

-troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story,

-which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these

-adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out

-as an incident of the plot."—Boston Journal.

-

-=A Tory Plot.= A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By

-JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of the

-plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or murder

-Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and are

-commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter. They

-do so, and meet with many adventures and hair-breadth escapes. The boys

-are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to put

-into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one phase

-of the Revolution."—Pittsburgh Times.

-

-=A Traitor's Escape.= A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold.

-By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, bringing

-clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early settlers In this

-country. In an historical work dealing with this country's past, no plot

-can hold the attention closer than this one, which describes the attempt

-and partial success of Benedict Arnold's escape to New York, where he

-remained as the guest of Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually

-figured In the arrest of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are

-included as characters."—Albany Union.

-

-=A Cruise with Paul Jones.= A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By JAMES

-OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life when

-he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to

-strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent

-upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous

-battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was

-taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular cruise

-was begun."—Chicago Inter-Ocean.

-

-=Corporal Lige's Recruit.= A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By

-JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an

-old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and

-who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad

-acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the

-continental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative,

-which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point,

-Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names

-appear in this dramatic tale."—Boston Globe.

-

-=Morgan, the Jersey Spy.= A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By

-JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-"The two lads who are utilised by the author to emphasise the details of

-the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived on the

-banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his dangerous

-occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown, are

-suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks his life to

-save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a squad of red

-coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of friends and foes,

-told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one of the most

-entertaining books of the year."—Inter-Ocean.

-

-=The Young Scout=: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By EDWARD S.

-ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most

-terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a

-tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid.

-The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.

-Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate

-chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly escapes

-with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian

-stories now before the public.

-

-=Adrift in the Wilds=: The Adventures of Two Ship-wrecked Boys. By

-EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off

-the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the

-shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated

-from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards

-rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.

-

-=A Young Hero=; or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from the

-Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple-minded ladies. Fred Sheldon,

-the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them

-arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in

-discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The story is told

-in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read

-this delightful book.

-

-=Lost in the Rockies.= A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By

-EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.

-

-Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is plied upon adventure, and

-at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced

-breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures

-in the Rockies and among the Indians.

-

-=A Jaunt Through Java=: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain.

-By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two

-cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of

-Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal

-Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met

-with. It is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a

-lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.

-

-=The Boy Patriot.= A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By

-EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.

-

-"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose

-pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are

-always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,

-manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid

-description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this

-story."—Journal of Education.

-

-=A Yankee Lad's Pluck.= How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's Ranch in

-Porto Rico. By WM. P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and

-is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst the

-story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This will, we

-think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season."—Gazette.

-

-=A Brave Defense.= A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By

-WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during the

-Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn., in

-1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls,

-either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on

-the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey

-Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave

-comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be learning something

-more than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity,

-of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable

-in the arena of life.

-

-=The Young Minuteman.= A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in

-1777. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British

-occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William

-Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one,

-dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling

-adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will

-find not only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his

-own patriotism and love of country are deepened.

-

-=For the Temple=: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. HENTY. With

-illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.

-

-"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance to

-Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the

-world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."—Graphic.

-

-=Roy Gilbert's Search=: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. CHIPMAN.

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges with

-two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam launch. The

-three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes. Afterwards the

-lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later

-on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly,

-self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest.

-

-=The Slate Picker=: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By

-HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben

-Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he

-advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the

-position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a book

-of extreme interest to every boy reader.

-

-=The Boy Cruisers=; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. GEORGE RATHBORNE.

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf

-coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with a

-pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in the

-Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and Andrew gets

-into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr. Rathborne knows just

-how to interest the boys, and lads who are in search of a rare treat

-will do well to read this entertaining story.

-

-=Captured by Zulus=: A Story of Trapping in Africa. By HARRY PRENTICE.

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob

-Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture

-Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The lads

-escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night. They

-are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice tells

-exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native

-stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.

-

-=Tom the Ready=; or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,

-ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and

-the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a

-purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages

-to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills

-the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.

-

-=Captain Kidd's Gold=: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By

-JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.

-

-There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea of

-buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese

-and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There were

-many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Paul

-Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable treasure

-buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this hook is an ambitious,

-persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to

-reach the Island and secure the money form one of the most absorbing

-tales for our youth that has come from the press.

-

-                             --------------

-

-For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the

-publisher, =A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York=.

-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

-

-

-

- ● Transcriber's Notes:

-    ○ Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected.

-    ○ Unbalanced quotation marks were silently corrected.

-    ○ Typographical errors were silently corrected.

-    ○ Spelling and hyphenation was made consistent when a predominant

-      form was found in this book; otherwise it was not changed.

-

-

-

-

-

-End of Project Gutenberg's Mark Manning's Mission, by Horatio Alger Jr.

-

-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING'S MISSION ***

-

-***** This file should be named 55000-0.txt or 55000-0.zip *****

-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:

-        http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/0/0/55000/

-

-Produced by David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen; cover found

-at http://www.horatioalgersociety.net; and the Online

-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This

-file was produced from images generously made available

-by The Internet Archive)

-

-

-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions

-will be renamed.

-

-Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no

-one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation

-(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without

-permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,

-set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to

-copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to

-protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project

-Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you

-charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you

-do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the

-rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose

-such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and

-research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do

-practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is

-subject to the trademark license, especially commercial

-redistribution.

-

-

-

-*** START: FULL LICENSE ***

-

-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

-

-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free

-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work

-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project

-Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at

-http://gutenberg.org/license).

-

-

-Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works

-

-1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to

-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property

-(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all

-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy

-all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.

-If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the

-terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or

-entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.

-

-1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be

-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who

-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few

-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See

-paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement

-and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic

-works.  See paragraph 1.E below.

-

-1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"

-or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the

-collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an

-individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are

-located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from

-copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative

-works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg

-are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project

-Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by

-freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of

-this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with

-the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by

-keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project

-Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.

-

-1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern

-what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in

-a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check

-the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement

-before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or

-creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project

-Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning

-the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United

-States.

-

-1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

-

-1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate

-access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently

-whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the

-phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,

-copied or distributed:

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with

-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or

-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included

-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license

-

-1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived

-from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is

-posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied

-and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees

-or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work

-with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the

-work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1

-through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the

-Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or

-1.E.9.

-

-1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted

-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution

-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional

-terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked

-to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the

-permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.

-

-1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this

-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.

-

-1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this

-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without

-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with

-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm License.

-

-1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,

-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any

-word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or

-distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than

-"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version

-posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),

-you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a

-copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon

-request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other

-form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

-

-1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,

-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works

-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

-

-1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing

-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided

-that

-

-- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from

-     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method

-     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is

-     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he

-     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the

-     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments

-     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you

-     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax

-     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and

-     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the

-     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to

-     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."

-

-- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies

-     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he

-     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-     License.  You must require such a user to return or

-     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium

-     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of

-     Project Gutenberg-tm works.

-

-- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any

-     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the

-     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days

-     of receipt of the work.

-

-- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free

-     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.

-

-1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set

-forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from

-both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael

-Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the

-Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

-

-1.F.

-

-1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable

-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread

-public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm

-collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic

-works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain

-"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or

-corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual

-property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a

-computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by

-your equipment.

-

-1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right

-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all

-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal

-fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT

-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE

-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE

-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE

-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR

-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH

-DAMAGE.

-

-1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a

-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can

-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a

-written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you

-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with

-your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with

-the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a

-refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity

-providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to

-receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy

-is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further

-opportunities to fix the problem.

-

-1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth

-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER

-WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO

-WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

-

-1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied

-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.

-If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the

-law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be

-interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by

-the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any

-provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.

-

-1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the

-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone

-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance

-with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,

-promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,

-harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,

-that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do

-or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm

-work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any

-Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.

-

-

-Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of

-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers

-including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists

-because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from

-people in all walks of life.

-

-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the

-assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's

-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will

-remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure

-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.

-To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

-and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4

-and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.

-

-

-Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive

-Foundation

-

-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit

-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the

-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal

-Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification

-number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at

-http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg

-Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent

-permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.

-

-The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.

-Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered

-throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at

-809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email

-business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact

-information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official

-page at http://pglaf.org

-

-For additional contact information:

-     Dr. Gregory B. Newby

-     Chief Executive and Director

-     gbnewby@pglaf.org

-

-

-Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg

-Literary Archive Foundation

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide

-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of

-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be

-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest

-array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations

-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt

-status with the IRS.

-

-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating

-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United

-States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a

-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up

-with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations

-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To

-SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any

-particular state visit http://pglaf.org

-

-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we

-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition

-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who

-approach us with offers to donate.

-

-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make

-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from

-outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

-

-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation

-methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other

-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.

-To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate

-

-

-Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic

-works.

-

-Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm

-concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared

-with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project

-Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.

-

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed

-editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.

-unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily

-keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.

-

-

-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:

-

-     http://www.gutenberg.org

-

-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,

-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to

-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.

+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55000 ***
+
+[Illustration: "There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left,"
+said the hermit, as he counted the pieces of gold.]
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+                         MARK MANNING'S MISSION
+
+       ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+                    The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy
+
+       ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+                         By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+             Author of "Mark Mason's Victory," "Ben Bruce,"
+            "Bernard Brook's Adventures," "A Debt of Honor,"
+                               etc., etc.
+
+                    [Illustration: Publisher's Logo]
+
+            With Five Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis
+
+
+       ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+                          A. L. BURT COMPANY,
+                          PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             COPYRIGHT 1905
+                         BY A. L. BURT COMPANY
+
+                               ----------
+
+                         MARK MANNING'S MISSION
+                         By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                                CONTENTS
+
+                                -------
+
+             CHAPTER
+                  I. Three Young Hunters
+                 II. The Hermit's Cabin
+                III. A Timely Rescue
+                 IV. The Hermit Explains
+                  V. Lyman Taylor Makes a New Acquaintance
+                 VI. A Tragedy in the Pasture
+                VII. Mark at Home
+               VIII. Deacon Miller Gets a Clue
+                 IX. The Deacon's Mission
+                  X. Mark Protects a Friend
+                 XI. Mark is Discharged
+                XII. Good Luck After Misfortune
+               XIII. The Little Man in Black
+                XIV. An Important Proposal
+                 XV. The Hermit's Bank
+                XVI. Lyman Taylor Gains some Information
+               XVII. On the Trail of Gold
+              XVIII. Lyman's Disappointment
+                XIX. The Hermit Receives a Call
+                 XX. How Lyman Succeeded
+                XXI. All Aboard for New York
+               XXII. In an Office on Broadway
+              XXIII. Mark's Mission
+               XXIV. What Mark Discovered
+                XXV. The Little Match Boy
+               XXVI. Luck Favors Lyman
+              XXVII. Old Peggy
+             XXVIII. Lyman's Plan
+               XXIX. Mark Receives a Telegram
+                XXX. Mark Makes Arrangements with Jack
+               XXXI. Jack Talks in his Sleep
+              XXXII. Jack is Pursued
+             XXXIII. Mark Eludes his Pursuers
+              XXXIV. Mrs. Manning's House is Sold
+               XXXV. Notice to Quit
+              XXXVI. The Hermit Secures a House
+             XXXVII. Conclusion
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                        MARK MANNING'S MISSION.
+
+                               ----------
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+                          THREE YOUNG HUNTERS.
+
+
+TWO boys, with guns on their shoulders, were crossing a meadow towards
+the Pecasset woods. These were situated about a mile from the village,
+and were quite extensive. The two boys were James Collins and Tom Wyman,
+the first, the son of a large shoe manufacturer, the other the son of
+the village postmaster. They were about of a size, and had the
+appearance of being sixteen years of age. They were very intimate, the
+second being a satellite of the first, who in right of his father's
+wealth considered himself the first boy in Pecasset. Tom flattered his
+vanity by acknowledging his pretensions, and this gave him his position
+of favorite with the young aristocrat.
+
+"I should like to be a hunter," said Tom, as they walked along.
+
+"A fine hunter you'd be," said James, in a tone by no means
+complimentary, for he didn't feel it necessary to flatter his humble
+companion. "You never hit anything, you know."
+
+"Come, James, that's a little too strong," said Tom, in a tone of
+annoyance. "I don't pretend to be as good a shot as you are, but still I
+have hit a bird before now."
+
+"When it was perched on a fence, eh?"
+
+"No, on the wing."
+
+"Who saw you do it?"
+
+"I was alone."
+
+"So I thought," said James, laughing.
+
+"I did it, really. Of course I can't shoot as well as you."
+
+"I don't think there is a boy in the village can come up to me in that
+line," said James.
+
+"Of course not; though Mark Manning isn't a bad shot."
+
+"Mark Manning! He's one of the peggers in my father's shop, isn't he?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Son of the poor widow that lives near the schoolhouse?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What can he know of gunning? He had better stick to the shop."
+
+"I didn't say he was equal to you," said Tom apologetically, "but I have
+seen him shoot well."
+
+"Has he a gun of his own?"
+
+"No, but he often gets the loan of Farmer Jones's."
+
+"I suppose he could hit a barn door if he were within fifty feet of it,"
+said James, contemptuously.
+
+Tom was silent. It was not the first time he had noticed how distasteful
+to James was praise of any other boy.
+
+At this moment, from another direction came a third boy, of about the
+same size and age as the two already introduced. He also had a gun on
+his shoulder. He had on a well-worn suit of mixed cloth, which had been
+darned in one or two places. His face was open and attractive, his form
+was well-knit and muscular, and he was evidently in vigorous health.
+
+Tom Wyman was the first to notice the newcomer.
+
+"Talk of the—old Harry," he said, "and he is sure to appear."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked James, who had not yet espied the new arrival.
+
+"There's Mark Manning coming towards us."
+
+James condescended to turn his glance in Marks' direction.
+
+"What brings him here, I wonder?" he said, with a curl of the lip.
+
+"The same errand that brings us, I should judge, from the gun on his
+shoulder," answered Tom.
+
+By this time Mark was within calling distance.
+
+"Hallo, boys!" he said. "Have you shot anything yet?"
+
+"No," answered Tom. "Have you?"
+
+"No, I have only just come."
+
+"Why are you not in the shop?" demanded James, with the air of a young
+lord.
+
+"Because we work only half-time to-day."
+
+"I suppose you were glad of the holiday?"
+
+"No, I would rather have worked. Half-work, half-pay, you know."
+
+"I suppose that's quite an important consideration for a—a working boy
+like you," drawled James, with an air of patronage.
+
+Mark surveyed James, with a quizzical smile, for he had a genuine boy's
+disdain for affectation, and James was a very good specimen of a
+self-conceited dude, though the latter term had not yet come into use.
+
+"Yes," he said, after a slight pause, "it is a consideration—to a
+working boy like me."
+
+"How much now does my father pay you?" inquired James, with gracious
+condescension.
+
+"Seventy-five cents a day—that's the average."
+
+"Very fair pay! I suppose you take it home to your mother?"
+
+"Yes, I do," answered Mark.
+
+"She's—ah—very poor, I hear."
+
+Mark began to find his patronage on the whole rather oppressive. He had
+a sturdy independence of feeling that grew restive under the young
+patrician's condescension.
+
+"We are poor," he answered, "but we have enough to eat, and to wear, and
+a roof to cover us—"
+
+"Exactly. You are indebted to my father for that."
+
+"I don't see how."
+
+"Doesn't he employ you and pay you wages?"
+
+"Yes, but don't I earn my wages by good work?"
+
+"Really, my good fellow, I can't say. I presume you do passably well, or
+he wouldn't keep you in his employ."
+
+"Then it seems to me we are even on that score. However, I didn't come
+here to talk about myself."
+
+Here there was a sudden diversion.
+
+"Look, James! See that bird!" exclaimed Tom, in excitement.
+
+The other two boys looked in the direction indicated, and saw a hawk
+flying swiftly, perhaps two hundred feet above them. The three
+simultaneously raised their guns, and Tom and James fired. But Mark,
+upon second thought reserved his fire, in order to give his two
+companions a chance.
+
+Their guns were discharged, but in vain. The bird flew on, apparently
+unconcerned, considerably to their disappointment.
+
+"Now it is my turn!" reflected Mark.
+
+He raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger; the effect was soon
+seen. The bird fluttered its wings, then dropped quickly through the
+air.
+
+"By Jove, Mark's hit him!" exclaimed Tom in excitement.
+
+James frowned in evident displeasure.
+
+"Yes, he was lucky!" he said significantly.
+
+Mark had run forward to pick up the bird.
+
+"I told you Mark was a good shot!" said Tom, who had not so much vanity
+to wound as James.
+
+"I suppose you think him a better shot than I, because he hit the bird
+and I didn't?" said James, reddening.
+
+"No, I don't say that!"
+
+"I tell you it was pure luck. I've heard of a man who shut his eyes when
+he fired, but he succeeded when all his companions failed. You can't
+judge of one by a single shot."
+
+Here Mark came up with his trophy.
+
+"I congratulate you on your success," said James, unpleasantly. "I
+suppose this is the first bird you ever shot?"
+
+"Oh, no!" answered Mark smilingly. "I have shot a few before now."
+
+"A fly lit on my nose just when I was pulling the trigger, or I should
+have brought him down."
+
+"That was lucky for me," said Mark.
+
+"Come, Tom," said James, drawing his companion away to the left. "We'd
+better separate, or we shall all be shooting at the same object."
+
+"Good luck to you then!" said Mark, as the two left him.
+
+"Thanks!" said Tom, but James deigned no notice of Mark's civility.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+                          THE HERMIT'S CABIN.
+
+
+MARK smiled to himself as the boys left him.
+
+"James doesn't care to associate with us working boys," he thought.
+"Well, I fancy he cares as much for my company as I do for his."
+
+Mark was thoroughly independent and self-reliant, and had no disposition
+to trouble himself because a particular boy didn't care to associate
+with him.
+
+He was not self-conceited, but he respected himself, and never would
+have been willing, like Tom Wyman, to play the part of an humble
+satellite to the son of a wealthy shoe manufacturer.
+
+He reached the edge of the woods, and plunged into their shaded
+recesses. Here and there were paths more or less worn. One of these he
+took. It was a considerable time before he found anything to shoot at.
+Finally he fired at a squirrel, but the active little animal eluded him,
+and made his way to some covert, whence possibly he peeped out with
+twinkling eyes at his enemy.
+
+Farther on he reached a small clearing, in the center of which rose an
+humble log dwelling, of the most primitive description.
+
+Mark regarded it with curiosity, for, though it was no new object to
+him, he knew that it was occupied by a man who for five years had
+baffled the curiosity of the neighborhood.
+
+Now and then he was seen in the village, whither he went to procure
+supplies of food and other necessaries. A striking figure he was, with
+his long flowing sandy beard, thickly flecked with gray hairs, high
+forehead, and long, circular cloak wrapped around his tall, spare form.
+
+On his head he wore a Spanish sombrero, and his appearance in the
+streets never failed to attract the curious eyes of the children.
+
+Once some rude boys followed him with jeers, but were never tempted to
+repeat the rudeness. With his long staff upraised, he gave chase to
+them, looking so terrible that they were panic-stricken, and with pale
+faces, scattered in all directions.
+
+While Mark was standing near the hermit's cabin, he thought he heard a
+smothered groan proceeding from within.
+
+"What can be the matter," he thought, "can old Anthony be sick?"
+
+This was the name, correct or not, by which the hermit was known in the
+village.
+
+He paused a moment in indecision, but on hearing the groan repeated, he
+overcame his scruples, and pushing open the door, which stood ajar, he
+entered.
+
+On a pallet, at one corner of the main room, lay the old man, with his
+limbs drawn up, as if in pain. His back was towards the door.
+
+"Who is there?" he asked, as he heard the door open.
+
+"A friend," answered Mark. "Are you sick?"
+
+"I have a severe attack of rheumatism," answered the old man.
+
+"And you have no one to take care of you?" said Mark, pityingly.
+
+"No; I have no friends," answered the old man, in a tone half sad, half
+bitter. "Come round to the foot of the bed; let me look at you," he
+added, after a pause.
+
+Mark complied with his request.
+
+Old Anthony regarded him attentively, and said, half to himself, "a good
+face! a face to be trusted!"
+
+"I hope so," said Mark, with a feeling of pleasure. "Can I do anything
+for you?"
+
+"You are willing to help old Anthony? You see I know what they call me
+in the village."
+
+"Yes. I shall be willing and glad to do anything for you."
+
+"You are a good boy. What is your name?"
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"I know who you are. Your mother is a widow."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And poor."
+
+"We have little money, but we have never wanted for food."
+
+"You work for your mother?"
+
+"Yes; I am employed in the shoe factory."
+
+"A good son will make a good man. You will never repent what you are
+doing for your mother."
+
+"No; I am sure I shall not," returned Mark, warmly. "I ought not, for
+she has done everything for me."
+
+"What brings you here?" asked the old man.
+
+"I had a spare afternoon, and came out gunning. I was wandering about
+these woods and happened to come this way. How long have you been sick?"
+
+"For several days; but I was able to be about till yesterday."
+
+"Have you taken no medicine?"
+
+"No. I thought I might do without it; but I find I am mistaken."
+
+"Shall I call the doctor?"
+
+"No; my disease is of old standing, and I know what to do for it. If you
+are willing to go to the drug store for me you may take the bottle on
+yonder shelf and get it filled. The druggist will understand what is
+wanted. You may also get me a box of rheumatic pills."
+
+"Yes, sir; I will go at once."
+
+"You will want money. Look in the box on yonder shelf, and select a gold
+piece. Pay for the articles and bring back the change."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Mark went to the shelf, and in a square wooden box found a collection of
+gold and silver coins from which he selected a five-dollar gold piece.
+
+"I have taken five dollars," he said.
+
+"Very well."
+
+"Are you not afraid to leave this money so exposed while you are sick
+and helpless?" Mark ventured to inquire.
+
+"I have no visitors," answered old Anthony.
+
+"But you might have. Some tramp——"
+
+"That is true. Perhaps it would be well to provide for that contingency.
+Will you take it all, and take care of it for me?"
+
+Mark regarded the old man with surprise.
+
+"What—take it away with me?" he asked.
+
+"Yes. I shall have to employ you as my man of business till I get
+better. I will speak with you about it further when you return with the
+medicines."
+
+"Do you know how much there is here?" asked Mark.
+
+"No; you may count it, if you like."
+
+Mark did so and announced as the result of his count, "Twenty-nine
+dollars and thirty cents."
+
+"Very well! You may keep an account of what you expend for me," said the
+old man, indifferently.
+
+"He seems to put a good deal of confidence in me," Mark reflected, with
+some satisfaction.
+
+"Is there nothing else you want in the village?" Mark asked, as he
+prepared to go.
+
+"You may bring me a loaf of fresh bread and a quart of milk, if it will
+not be too much trouble. You will find a tin measure for the milk on the
+shelf."
+
+"Here it is, sir."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"If you would like something nourishing—some meat, for instance—I can
+get my mother to cook you some," continued Mark.
+
+"Not to-day. Another day I may avail myself of your kind offer. You are
+very kind—to a poor recluse."
+
+"I am afraid you don't pass a very pleasant life," said Mark. "I should
+be miserable if I lived alone in the woods, like you."
+
+"No doubt, no doubt. You are young and life opens before you bright and
+cheerful. As for me, I have lived my life. For me no prospect opens but
+the grave. Why, indeed, should I seek to prolong this miserable life?"
+
+Mark hardly knew how to answer him. He could not enter into the old
+man's morbid feelings.
+
+"I will be back soon," he said as he left the cabin.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+                            A TIMELY RESCUE.
+
+
+MARK MANNING left the cabin and made his way as quickly as possible to
+the edge of the wood. He hadn't got over his wonder at the hermit's
+commission and singular confidence in him.
+
+"It seems strange," he said to himself, "to have so much money in my
+pocket. Nearly thirty dollars! I wonder whether I shall ever have as
+much of my own?"
+
+In truth, thirty dollars seemed a much larger sum to our hero, brought
+up in a hand to hand struggle with poverty, than it would have appeared
+if he had been ten years older.
+
+"He must have more money," thought Mark, "or he would not care so little
+for this sum as to trust it all to me. How does he know that I will
+prove honest?"
+
+Nevertheless it was a satisfaction to Mark to reflect that old Anthony
+was justified in his confidence. Had the sum been ten times as large, he
+would not have been tempted to retain any of it for his own use.
+
+He kept on his way to the drug store, and asked for the medicines
+already referred to.
+
+"Is your mother sick?" asked the druggist, who was very well acquainted
+with Mark and his family.
+
+"No, sir," answered Mark.
+
+"Oh, then it is you who are rheumatic," said the druggist jokingly.
+
+"Wrong again," answered Mark. "I am buying the medicines for old
+Anthony."
+
+"Then he is sick? That accounts for his not having appeared in the
+village for several days."
+
+Thereupon Mark described his chance visit to the cabin, and the
+condition in which he had found the hermit.
+
+"These remedies will do him good," said the druggist, "if he is
+otherwise kept comfortable. A strange man is old Anthony!" he continued
+musingly.
+
+Mark produced a gold piece, from which he requested the druggist to take
+pay for the articles purchased.
+
+"Did the hermit give you this?" asked the druggist.
+
+Mark answered in the affirmative.
+
+"Then it is evident he is not without means. However, I might have known
+that. During the years that he has lived in the wood, he has always been
+prompt in his payments for all articles purchased in the village. His
+expenditures are small, to be sure, but in five years they have amounted
+to considerable."
+
+"What could have induced him to settle in such a lonely spot?"
+
+"That is more than any one hereabouts can tell. He is very secretive,
+and never says anything about himself."
+
+By this time Mark was ready to return. He went to the grocery store,
+where he obtained the milk and loaf of bread, which he had also been
+commissioned to procure. Then he set out for old Anthony's lonely cabin.
+
+Before doing so, he heard something from the grocer that aroused his
+curiosity.
+
+"There was a man in here only twenty minutes since," said the
+storekeeper, "who was asking after Anthony."
+
+"Was it a stranger?"
+
+"Yes. It was a man I never saw before. He was a stout, broad-shouldered
+man with a bronzed face, who looked as if he might be a sailor."
+
+"Did he say who he was?"
+
+"Only that Anthony was a relation of his, and that he had not seen him
+for years."
+
+"Did he say he meant to call upon him?" asked Mark.
+
+"He did not say so, but as he inquired particularly for the location of
+the cabin, I took it for granted that this was his intention."
+
+"Then probably I shall see him, as I am going directly back to the
+wood."
+
+"He will probably be there unless he loses his way."
+
+Leaving Mark to return by the same way he came, we will precede him, and
+make acquaintance with the man who had excited the grocer's curiosity by
+inquiring for the old hermit.
+
+Old Anthony lay on his pallet waiting for the return of Mark.
+
+"I like the boy," he said to himself. "He has an honest face. He looks
+manly and straightforward. He has never joined the other village boys in
+jeering. If my nephew had been like him he might have been a comfort to
+me."
+
+The old man sighed. What thoughts passed through his mind were known
+only to him; but that they were sad ones seemed clear from the
+expression of his face.
+
+Time passed as he lay quiet. Then he heard a noise at the door and the
+step of one entering the cabin.
+
+"Is that you, Mark?" he inquired.
+
+There was a pause. Then a harsh voice answered: "No; it isn't Mark,
+whoever he may be. It is some one who ought to be nearer to you than
+he."
+
+Old Anthony started in evident excitement, and by an effort managed to
+turn round his head so as to see the intruder.
+
+His eyes rested on a man rather above the middle height, shabbily clad,
+with a dark face and threatening expression.
+
+"Lyman Taylor!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Yes, Lyman Taylor," returned the other, mockingly. "Are you glad to see
+your nephew?"
+
+"Heaven knows I am not!" said old Anthony bitterly.
+
+"So I judged from your expression. Yet they say blood is thicker than
+water."
+
+"That there is any tie of blood between us I regret deeply. A man more
+utterly unworthy I have never known."
+
+"Come, Uncle Anthony, isn't that a little strong. I am no angel——"
+
+"You are a worthless scoundrel," said the hermit bitterly.
+
+"Look here, old man," said his nephew fiercely, "I didn't come here to
+be insulted and called bad names. Considering that you are alone and in
+my power, it is a little impertinent in you to talk in that way. I might
+kill you."
+
+"You are quite capable of it," said Anthony. "Do so, if you choose. Life
+is not a possession that I greatly prize."
+
+"I have a great mind to take you at your word," said Taylor coolly, "but
+it wouldn't suit my purpose. Your death would do me no good unless you
+have made me your heir. I am desperately in need of money."
+
+"Work for it, then!"
+
+"Thank you! You are very kind; but employers are rather shy of me. I
+have no recommendations to offer. I don't mind telling you that I have
+spent the last four years in prison."
+
+"A very suitable place for you," said the old man in a caustic tone.
+
+"Thank you again! You are complimentary."
+
+"This is the reason why you have not found me out before?"
+
+"Precisely. You don't suppose I would otherwise have kept away from you
+so long, my most affectionate uncle!"
+
+"Do you recall the circumstances of our last parting? I awoke in
+California to find myself robbed of the large sum of money I had with
+me. Of course, you took it."
+
+"I don't mind owning that I did. But I haven't a cent of it left."
+
+"That I can easily believe. Why have you sought me out?"
+
+"I want more money."
+
+"So I supposed. You can judge from my way of living whether I am likely
+to have any for you."
+
+"You don't appear to be living in luxury. However, it costs something to
+keep body and soul together even in this den. Of course, you have some
+money. However little it is, I want it."
+
+"Then you will be disappointed."
+
+"Where do you keep your money?" demanded Lyman Taylor, roughly.
+
+"Even if I had any. I wouldn't tell you!" said the brave old man.
+
+"Look here, old man, no trifling! Either you will find some money for
+me, or I will choke you!"
+
+He got down on one knee and stooped menacingly over the hermit.
+
+At that moment Mark Manning, who had returned from his errand, reached
+the doorway, and stood a surprised and indignant witness of this
+exciting scene.
+
+Old Anthony struggled, but ineffectually in the grasp of the ruffian who
+had attacked him. Even if he had not been disabled by disease he would
+not have been a match for Lyman Taylor, who was at least twenty-five
+years younger.
+
+"Don't touch me, you scoundrel!" said Anthony, whose spirit exceeded his
+bodily strength.
+
+"Then tell me where you keep your money!"
+
+"That I will not do!"
+
+"Then I'll see if I can't find a way to make you."
+
+As he spoke the young man grabbed the hermit by the throat. He concluded
+too hastily that old Anthony was in his power. He was destined to a
+surprise.
+
+"Let the old man alone!" cried Mark, indignantly.
+
+Lyman Taylor looked up in surprise and some alarm. But when he saw that
+the words proceeded from a boy, he laughed derisively.
+
+[Illustration: Mark dropped his bundles, and taking the musket pointed
+it at the ruffian, saying: "Let go, or I will shoot."]
+
+"Mind your own business, you young bantam, or I'll wring your neck!" he
+said contemptuously. "Now, let me know where you keep your money," he
+said, turning once more to the old man, and preparing to choke him into
+an avowal of his secret.
+
+"Let go, instantly, or I will shoot!" exclaimed Mark, now thoroughly
+aroused.
+
+Once more the ruffian turned, and this time his countenance changed, for
+Mark, boyish but resolute, had dropped his bundles, and had the musket
+pointed directly at him.
+
+Taylor rose to his feet suddenly.
+
+"Take care, there!" he said, nervously. "Put down that gun!"
+
+"Then leave old Anthony alone!" returned Mark, resolutely.
+
+"Are you my uncle's guardian?" demanded Lyman, with a sneer.
+
+"If he is your uncle, the more shame to you to treat him brutally!"
+
+"I didn't come here to be lectured by a boy," said Taylor, angrily. "Put
+down that gun!"
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+                          THE HERMIT EXPLAINS.
+
+
+MARK did not obey directly, but turning to the hermit said, "Do you want
+this man to leave the cabin?"
+
+"Yes," answered the old man, "but beware of him! He is all that is bad!"
+
+"A pretty recommendation to come from your uncle," said Taylor,
+sullenly. "Uncle Anthony, I ask you once more to give me money. I am
+penniless, and am a desperate man."
+
+"There is no money in this cabin, and you would search for it in vain,
+but if you will promise to leave this place and trouble me no more, I
+will provide you with five dollars."
+
+"What are five dollars?"
+
+"All that you will get. Do you make the promise?"
+
+"Well, yes—"
+
+"Mark, you may give this man five dollars on my account."
+
+"Is he your treasurer!" inquired Taylor, in surprise.
+
+"He has charge of some funds out of which he buys me what I need."
+
+"How much money have you got of my uncle's, boy?"
+
+"I don't care to answer the question. Ask your uncle."
+
+"A small sum only. It won't be worth your while, Lyman, to plot for its
+possession."
+
+"Have you no other money?"
+
+"None that you are likely to get hold of. I will save you the trouble of
+searching the cabin, or prowling round it, by repeating that I have no
+money concealed here. You know me well enough to know that I am not
+deceiving you."
+
+Lyman Taylor listened in sullen disappointment. He did know that his
+uncle's word could be relied upon implicitly, and that the hopes which
+he had built up of securing a large fund from the uncle he had once
+robbed, were not destined to be realized.
+
+"It seems you are a pauper, then," he said.
+
+"I have not been compelled to ask for charity yet," answered Anthony. "I
+live here for next to nothing, and have not suffered yet for the
+necessities of life."
+
+Lyman Taylor looked around him contemptuously.
+
+"You must have a sweet time living here," he said, "in this lonely old
+cabin."
+
+"I would not exchange it for the place in which you confess that you
+have passed the last four years."
+
+Taylor frowned, but did not otherwise notice the old man's retort.
+
+"Give me the five dollars, boy," he said, "and I will go. It seems I am
+wasting time here."
+
+Mark drew a gold piece from his pocket and passed it to him.
+
+"Have you many more of these?" he demanded, his eyes gleaming with
+cupidity.
+
+"No."
+
+"Give me another."
+
+"They are not mine to give."
+
+"Not another one, Mark," said Anthony. "He does not deserve even that."
+
+"Make way, then, and I will go," said the nephew, convinced that he had
+no more to expect.
+
+Mark moved aside, and he strode out of the cabin.
+
+"Good-bye, Uncle Anthony," he said. "You haven't treated me very
+generously, considering how long it is since you did anything for me."
+
+"Are you utterly shameless, Lyman?" said the hermit. "I hope never to
+set eyes on you again."
+
+"Thank you, you are very kind. Boy, what is your name?"
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"Well, Mark, as you appear to be in charge of my uncle, I shall be glad
+to have you write me if anything happens to him. As his nearest relative
+and heir, I ought to be notified."
+
+Mark looked to the hermit for directions.
+
+"Give him your address, Lyman," said Anthony. "If there is any news to
+interest you, he shall write. But don't calculate on my speedy death. It
+is hardly likely to benefit you."
+
+"I may want to visit your grave, uncle," said Lyman, jeeringly.
+
+"Give him an address where a letter will reach you then."
+
+"No. —— Third Avenue, New York," said Taylor. "Write soon."
+
+He left the cabin, and old Anthony and Mark were alone.
+
+"He is my nearest relative," said the old man, "and a relative to be
+proud of, eh, Mark?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Years since we were in California together, I had two thousand dollars
+in gold dust under my pillow. My nephew was my companion, but none of
+the gold belonged to him. I woke one morning to find my nephew gone, and
+my gold also. From that time I have not set eyes on him till to-day."
+
+"It was a shabby trick," said Mark, warmly. "Were you left destitute?"
+
+"So far as money went, yes. But I was the owner of a claim which my
+nephew thought exhausted. I resumed work on it, and three days later
+made a valuable find. Within a month I took out ten thousand dollars,
+and sold it for five thousand more."
+
+"Your nephew does not know this, does he?"
+
+"No; if he had, I should not have got rid of him so easily. But I have
+not told you all. I remained in California a year longer, and left it
+worth forty thousand dollars."
+
+"Then why—excuse me for asking—have you come to this poor cabin to
+live?" asked Mark.
+
+"I had one other relative than Lyman, a daughter—I left her at a
+boarding-school in Connecticut. I returned to find that she had married
+an adventurer a month previous. Two years later I heard of her death.
+Life had lost its charm for me. I would not deprive myself of it, but in
+a fit of misanthropy I buried myself here."
+
+Old Anthony seemed weary, and Mark questioned him no more, but set
+before him the milk and loaf which he had brought with him.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+                 LYMAN TAYLOR MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+ON leaving the cabin Mark promised to call again the next afternoon,
+bringing from the village such articles as Anthony might require. This
+he could readily do as the shoe manufactory was not running full time.
+
+"I will see that you are paid for your trouble," said the hermit.
+
+"That will be all right," said Mark, cheerfully.
+
+"I am able to pay you, and will employ you only on that condition,"
+persisted Anthony.
+
+"I shall not object to that part of the bargain," said Mark, smiling.
+"Money never comes amiss to me."
+
+"I have plenty of money, though I would not admit it to my nephew,"
+continued the sick man. "He would persecute me till I bought him off.
+Fortunately he thinks I am poor."
+
+"But," said Mark, "suppose he should come back. Would not your money be
+in danger?"
+
+"He would find none here. I do not keep any in this cabin. I did have
+some, but it is in your hands."
+
+"Shall I not return it to you, sir?"
+
+"No; I prefer that you should keep it. You will be using money for me
+daily, and for the present you shall be my treasurer."
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for reposing so much confidence in me,"
+said Mark.
+
+"I trust you entirely. You have an honest face."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I will endeavor to deserve your confidence."
+
+It was past four o'clock when Mark left the cabin and started on his way
+homeward. He walked along thoughtfully, carrying his gun over his
+shoulder.
+
+"It seems I have a near friend," he reflected; "and one who may be of
+service to me. Now that the shop is no longer running full time, it will
+be convenient to earn a little extra money, old Anthony must be rich,
+judging from what he said about his success in California."
+
+Mark could not help wondering where the hermit kept his money. But for
+Anthony's positive assurance, he would have conjectured that he kept it
+somewhere concealed about the cabin, but that being left out of the
+question he was at a loss to fix upon any probable place of deposit.
+
+Leaving Mark for a brief time; we go back to the other two young
+hunters, from whom he had separated two hours before.
+
+"I don't like that boy," said James Collins. "He puts on too many airs
+for a poor boy. I suppose he will be crowing over his successful shot."
+
+"Very likely," chimed in his companion, who made it a point to flatter
+James by agreeing with everything he said.
+
+"It was only a lucky accident," continued James. "He couldn't do it
+again."
+
+"Of course not. I don't think he is really as good a shot as you or I."
+
+"You can hardly class yourself with me," said James egotistically.
+"However. I agree with you that he is inferior to you."
+
+"Quick, James!" said Tom Wyman. "There is a squirrel—shoot! I'll give
+you the first chance."
+
+James pulled the trigger, but the squirrel was not destined to fall by
+his hands. He scampered away, looking back saucily at the baffled young
+hunter.
+
+"Was ever anything more provoking?" asked James in evident chagrin.
+
+Later in the afternoon when the two boys were slowly strolling
+homewards, they saw a strange man issuing from the woods. It was Lyman
+Taylor, returned from his only partially successful visit to his uncle.
+
+He waited till the boys came up.
+
+"Good afternoon, young gentlemen," he said by way of greeting.
+
+"Good afternoon," returned James stiffly.
+
+He doubted whether the newcomer was a man whom it was worth while to
+notice.
+
+"What luck have you had? I see you have been out hunting."
+
+"We didn't shoot anything we thought worth bringing home," said Tom.
+
+"I met another boy out with a gun. Perhaps he is a friend of yours."
+
+James and Tom exchanged glances. They understood very well that Mark
+Manning was meant.
+
+"I think I know the boy you met," said James. "It is a poor boy who
+works in my father's manufactory."
+
+"What is his name?" asked Lyman Taylor.
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"Does he live in the village?"
+
+"Yes; his mother is a poor widow."
+
+"Where did you meet him?" asked Tom.
+
+"At a cabin in the woods."
+
+"Old Anthony's?"
+
+"Yes; the hermit is an uncle of mine."
+
+The two boys regarded the speaker with interest. All the villagers had
+some curiosity about the man who had settled so near them.
+
+"What is his name?" inquired Tom.
+
+"You called him old Anthony," said Lyman, smiling. "That is his name."
+
+"But his other name?"
+
+"His last name is Taylor, I have not seen him before for five years.
+Does he often come into the village?"
+
+"About twice a week."
+
+"I suppose he comes to buy food?"
+
+"Yes; I suppose so."
+
+"Does he appear to be provided with money?" asked Taylor with some
+eagerness.
+
+"Yes, I believe so," replied Tom. "He has sometimes come into our
+place—father is the postmaster—to get a gold piece changed. But I don't
+suppose he has much money. It doesn't cost him much to live."
+
+"Does he ever get any letters—as your father is postmaster, you can
+probably tell."
+
+"I don't think so; my father has never mentioned it, and I think he
+would if any had been received."
+
+"What sort of a boy is this Mark Manning?" asked Taylor abruptly.
+
+"I don't think much of him," answered James. "He is poor and proud. He
+is only a pegger in our shop, but he puts on airs with the best."
+
+"Do you think he is honest?"
+
+The two boys looked surprised; that question had never occurred to them.
+
+"What makes you ask?" inquired James.
+
+"Only that he has in his possession a sum of money belonging to my
+uncle."
+
+"Did he tell you so? did you see it?" were the questions quickly asked.
+
+"I met him at my uncle's cabin. My uncle owed me a small sum, and
+instead of paying me himself, he asked this boy to pay me. The boy took
+the money from his pocket, and handed it to me."
+
+Both boys were surprised.
+
+"I didn't know he had anything to do with the hermit," said Tom. "Did
+you, James?"
+
+"No; but then I don't trouble myself about Mark Manning's affairs."
+
+Lyman Taylor regarded James shrewdly, he had no difficulty in detecting
+the boy's dislike towards Mark.
+
+"Excuse my troubling you with questions, young gentlemen," he said. "My
+uncle is a simple-minded old man, and it would be easy to rob him,
+though I fancy he hasn't much money. This boy Mark appeared to me an
+artful young rogue, who might very probably cheat him out of the small
+sum he has."
+
+"I never saw the two together," said Tom, musingly. "Old Anthony has
+generally paid his bills himself."
+
+"He is sick just now, and perhaps that accounts for it. The boy Mark has
+been making purchases for him in the village. However, I must leave the
+place, as important business calls me elsewhere. Since you," addressing
+Tom, "are the postmaster's son, may I ask a favor of you?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"If my uncle should die, can I trouble you to send me a note informing
+me, as I should feel called upon, as his only relative, to see that he
+was properly buried."
+
+"Yes, sir; I will write you, if you will leave me your address."
+
+Lyman Taylor gave Tom the same address he had already given Mark. He
+then bade the boys good-bye, and walked on.
+
+"Uncle Anthony _may_ have some money," he soliloquized, "and if he dies,
+I shall see if I can find it. I am pretty sure to hear through one of
+the boys."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+                       A TRAGEDY IN THE PASTURE.
+
+
+ON their way home the two boys had occasion to cross a pasture belonging
+to Deacon Miller, an old farmer whose house and barn were about a
+furlong distant on a rising ground.
+
+They sauntered along in single file. James had a careless way of
+carrying his gun, which made some of the boys unwilling to accompany
+him, unless it was unloaded. Tom had two or three times cautioned him on
+this very afternoon, but James did not receive his remonstrance in good
+part.
+
+"Don't trouble yourself so much about my gun, Tom Wyman," he said. "I
+guess I know how to carry my gun as well as you do."
+
+"I don't doubt that in the least, James, but you must admit that you
+handle it rather carelessly. Some of the boys don't like to go hunting
+with you."
+
+"Then they are cowards. I never shot any boy yet," answered James, with
+some heat.
+
+"No, but you might."
+
+"You are making a great deal of fuss about nothing. I didn't think you
+were so timid."
+
+"I don't know that I am particularly timid, but I shouldn't like to be
+riddled with shot," returned Tom, good-humoredly.
+
+"Then you'd better get your life insured when you go out with me next,"
+sneered James.
+
+"I don't know but I shall," said Tom, declining to take offense.
+
+For a very brief period James carried his gun more carefully. Then he
+forgot his caution, and in transferring his gun from one shoulder to the
+other somehow he touched the hammer, and the gun was discharged.
+
+It was most unfortunate, but when the gun went off it was pointed
+directly at a white-faced cow belonging to Deacon Miller.
+
+The small shot penetrated both the poor animal's eyes, and with a moan
+of anguish the cow sank to the ground.
+
+Both boys stared in dismay at the victim of carelessness.
+
+"There, you've gone and done it now, James," said Tom. "You've shot
+Deacon Miller's cow."
+
+"I don't see how I happened to do it," stammered James, really
+frightened.
+
+"I told you not to carry your gun so carelessly."
+
+"You told me! Of course you want to get me into trouble about this!"
+exclaimed James, irritably.
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"Then," said James, quickly, "don't say a word about it. We'll get home
+as soon as we can, and won't know anything about it. Mum's the word!"
+
+"Of course I'll be mum, but it will be known that we have been out with
+guns this afternoon."
+
+"So has Mark Manning."
+
+James looked significantly at Tom, and Tom understood.
+
+Poor Mark was to bear the blame for a deed he didn't do, and all to
+screen James.
+
+"It's mean!" Tom said to himself, "but I can't go back on James. I want
+to keep in with him, and I suppose I must consent."
+
+"Well?" demanded James, impatiently.
+
+"It won't come out through me," answered Tom, but not with alacrity.
+
+"And if Mark is accused you won't say anything?"
+
+"N-o!" said Tom, slowly.
+
+"Then let us put for home!"
+
+James suited the action to the word, and the two boys hurried across the
+pasture, never venturing to look back at the suffering animal.
+
+Fifteen minutes later, when James and Tom were already at home, Mark
+Manning entered the narrow foot-path that led across the pasture.
+
+He was immersed in thought, the hermit and his strange experience at the
+cabin being the subject of his reflections, when he heard a pitiful
+moaning, not far from him.
+
+Looking up he observed that it proceeded from old Whitey, as the deacon
+was accustomed to call his favorite cow.
+
+"What's the matter with you, old Whitey?" said Mark, who was always
+moved by distress, whether in man or beast.
+
+Coming nearer, he was not long left in doubt. The nature of the injury
+which the poor cow had received was evident to him.
+
+"Poor old Whitey!" he said, pitifully. "Who has shot you in this cruel
+manner?"
+
+The sole answer was a moan of anguish from the stricken animal.
+
+"I am afraid she will have to be killed!" thought Mark, sadly. "It is
+only torture for her to live with this injury, and of course there is no
+cure."
+
+He was still standing beside the cow, gun in hand, when a harsh voice
+became audible.
+
+"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?"
+
+Looking up, he saw the deacon but four rods distant.
+
+Deacon Miller was an old man, of giant form, and harsh, irregular
+features. He was a very unpopular man in the neighborhood, and
+deservedly so. He had made home so disagreeable that his only son had
+gone away fifteen years before, and the deacon had never heard from him
+since.
+
+"What have you been doin' to my cow?" he demanded, in a still harsher
+tone.
+
+"Nothing, Deacon Miller," answered Mark, calmly.
+
+"You don't mean to tell me the critter's makin' all this fuss for
+nothin', do you?"
+
+"No; the poor animal has been shot."
+
+"Has been what?" snarled the deacon.
+
+"Shot! Shot in the face, and I am afraid its eyes are put out," replied
+Mark.
+
+"Old Whitey shot in the eye," repeated the deacon, in a fury. "Then it's
+you that did it."
+
+[Illustration: "What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?" said the
+deacon, coming up to him.]
+
+"You are mistaken, sir," said Mark, with dignity. "I have just come up,
+and this is the condition in which I found Whitey."
+
+"What's that you are carryin' in your hand?" demanded the deacon,
+sternly.
+
+"My gun."
+
+"I am glad you are willin' to tell the truth. I didn't know but you'd
+say it was a hoe," exploded the deacon in angry irony.
+
+"Your cow has received no injury from my gun, if that's what you're
+hinting at, Deacon Miller."
+
+"Let me take the gun!"
+
+In some surprise Mark put it into his hands. The deacon raised it, and
+pulled the trigger.
+
+No report was heard. The gun was not loaded.
+
+"Just what I thought," said the deacon, triumphantly. "If it had been
+loaded, I might have thought you told me the truth. Now I know as well
+as I want to that you shot my cow in the face with it."
+
+"I assure you, Deacon Miller," said Mark, earnestly, beginning to
+comprehend the extent to which he was implicated, although innocent. "I
+assure you, Deacon Miller, that I have had nothing to do with harming
+poor Whitey."
+
+"Anyway, I shall hold you responsible, and I reckon you'll have hard
+work to prove yourself innocent," said the deacon, grimly. "I ain't
+going to lose a forty-five dollar cow, and say nothin' about it. You
+jest tell your mother when you go home to see about raisin' forty-five
+dollars to make up old Whitey's loss. As she's a poor widder I'll give
+her thirty days to do it in. Do you hear?"
+
+"Yes, Deacon Miller, I hear, but I repeat that I didn't harm your cow,
+and I shan't pay you a cent."
+
+"We'll see!" was the only answer the deacon gave, nodding his head with
+emphasis.
+
+Poor Mark! he had never felt so miserable, as he plodded slowly home. He
+was innocent, but circumstances were against him, and the deacon was
+implacable.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+                             MARK AT HOME.
+
+
+MARK'S home was a small cottage of a story and a half, surmounted by a
+sloping roof. It was plainly furnished, but looked comfortable. His
+mother was a pleasant looking woman of middle age, who managed well
+their scanty income, consisting chiefly of Mark's earnings.
+
+"Are you not later than usual, Mark?" she inquired.
+
+"Yes, mother; I went out gunning, and did an errand for old Anthony, who
+is laid up with the rheumatism in his cabin."
+
+"Poor man! I hope he won't suffer."
+
+"Thanks to me, he probably will not."
+
+"What can you do for him, Mark? You have no money to spare."
+
+"Haven't I, mother?" asked Mark, with a smile, as he drew from his
+pocket a large handful of silver and gold.
+
+"What do you say to that?"
+
+"Oh, Mark! I hope you came honestly by that money," said the widow,
+nervously.
+
+"I haven't been robbing a bank, if that's what you mean, mother. I
+couldn't very well, as there is none within ten miles."
+
+"Then, Mark, where did the money come from?"
+
+"It belongs to old Anthony. He asked me to take charge of it, as I shall
+need to be buying things for him in the village for a few days to come."
+
+"For mercy's sake, be careful of it, Mark, as, if you lost it, we
+couldn't make up the loss."
+
+"I'll look after that. In fact, I think it will be safer with me than
+with the owner. If any dishonest person should enter his cabin, he could
+not help being robbed in his present condition."
+
+"That would be very unfortunate, as the old man is probably very poor."
+
+Mark was about to undeceive his mother, but, reflecting that Lyman
+Taylor might still be in the village, he thought it not prudent to
+betray the hermit's secret.
+
+"I heard a report to-day, Mark," said his mother, as she was setting the
+supper table, "that the shoe-shop was to be closed for a month."
+
+"I hope not," said Mark, startled. "That would be serious for us."
+
+"And for others too, Mark."
+
+"Yes. It isn't as if there were other employments open, but there is
+absolutely nothing, unless I could get a chance to do some farm work."
+
+"Perhaps Deacon Miller may need a boy."
+
+"He's about the last man I would work for. He wouldn't pay me a cent."
+
+"Why not, Mark? He wouldn't expect you to work for nothing."
+
+"He claims that I owe him forty-five dollars, and would expect me to
+work it out."
+
+"What do you mean, Mark? How can you owe the deacon forty-five dollars?"
+
+"I don't, but he claims I do."
+
+Mark then told his mother the story of the cow.
+
+"Deacon Miller expects me to pay for it," he concluded, "but I think
+he'll have to take it out in expecting."
+
+"Oh, Mark, I am afraid this will lead to serious trouble," said Mrs.
+Manning, looking distressed. "He may go to law about it."
+
+"He can't make me pay for the damage somebody else did, mother."
+
+"But if he makes out that you shot the cow?"
+
+"I won't trouble about it. It might spoil my appetite for supper. I've
+got a healthy appetite to-night, mother."
+
+"Your story has taken away mine, Mark."
+
+"Don't worry, mother; it will all come right."
+
+"I am afraid worrying comes natural to me, Mark. I've seen more trouble
+than you have, my son."
+
+"Forget it all till supper is over, mother."
+
+Supper was scarcely over when a knock was heard at the door, and John
+Downie entered. He was a boy of Scotch descent, and lived near by.
+
+"How are you, Johnny," said Mark, "won't you have some supper?"
+
+"Thank you, Mark, I've had some. Have you heard about Deacon Miller's
+cow?"
+
+"What about her?" asked Mark, eagerly.
+
+"You know old Whitey?"
+
+"Yes, yes."
+
+"Her eyes are put out by an accidental discharge of a gun, and I guess
+she will have to be killed."
+
+"Do you know who shot her?" asked Mark, with intense interest.
+
+"Yes, I do, but the deacon doesn't," answered John.
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"James Collins. He and Tom Wyman were coming through the pasture, when
+James, in handling his gun awkwardly, managed to discharge it full in
+poor Whitey's face."
+
+"How do you know it was James?"
+
+"Because I saw it. I was in the next field and saw it all."
+
+"Did the boys see you?"
+
+"No; they hurried away as fast as they could go."
+
+"Johnny, you're a trump!" exclaimed Mark, rising and shaking the boy's
+hand vigorously.
+
+"Why am I a trump?" asked Johnny, astonished.
+
+"Because your testimony will clear me. The deacon charges me with
+shooting the cow, and wants me to pay forty-five dollars."
+
+"Gosh!" exclaimed Johnny. "But what makes him think you shot old
+Whitey?"
+
+Mark briefly explained.
+
+"But," said Mrs. Manning, "surely James Collins would not permit you to
+suffer for his fault?"
+
+"You don't know James, mother. That's just what he would do, I feel
+sure. What do you say, Johnny?"
+
+"Jim Collins is just mean enough to do it," answered John.
+
+"He can't do it now, however. Mr. Collins is abundantly able to pay for
+the cow, and I guess he'll have to."
+
+"I don't know how we could ever have paid so large a sum," said the
+widow.
+
+"We shan't have to, mother, that's one comfort."
+
+"There's the deacon coming!" exclaimed Johnny, suddenly.
+
+"So he is! Johnny, just run into the kitchen, and I'll call you when
+you're wanted. We'll have some fun. Mother, don't say a word till we
+hear what the deacon has to say."
+
+By this time the deacon had knocked. Mrs. Manning admitted him, and he
+entered with a preliminary cough.
+
+"Are your family well, deacon?" asked the mother.
+
+"They're middlin', widder, which is a comfort. Families are often a
+source of trouble," and here the deacon glanced sharply at Mark, who,
+rather to his surprise, looked cool and composed.
+
+"That may be, Deacon Miller, but I am thankful that Mark never gives me
+any trouble."
+
+"Don't be too sure of that, ma'am," said the deacon, grimly. "It's about
+that very thing I've come here now. Your son has shot my most valuable
+cow, old Whitey, and I regret to say, widder, that he'll have to make it
+good for me. Forty-five dollars is what the critter is worth, and I
+wouldn't have taken that for her."
+
+"Are you sure Mark shot your cow?" asked Mrs. Manning.
+
+"As sure as I need to be. I caught him standin' by the cow with his gun
+in his hand. The barrel was empty, for I tried it to see."
+
+"What have you to say to this charge, Mark?"
+
+"That Deacon Miller is mistaken. I did not shoot his cow."
+
+"I reckon you'll have to pay for it all the same. Mark Manning. I don't
+want to be hard on a poor widder, but it stands to reason that I should
+be paid for my cow."
+
+"I agree to that," said Mark, "but I'm not the one."
+
+"Mebbe the cow shot herself!" said the deacon, sarcastically. "It may be
+nat'ral for cows to commit suicide, but I never saw one do it as far as
+I can remember. Young man, your story is too thin."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+                       DEACON MILLER GETS A CLUE.
+
+
+MARK was forced to smile at the idea of old Whitey committing suicide.
+The deacon observed his smile, and it provoked him.
+
+"Do you mean to say, Mark Manning, that you think the critter shot
+herself in the face?" he demanded, sharply.
+
+"No, Deacon Miller, I have no such idea."
+
+"That's the same as admittin' that you shot her," said the deacon,
+triumphantly.
+
+"No, it isn't, deacon. I didn't shoot her, but I have no doubt some one
+else did."
+
+"It may have been the cat," remarked the deacon, with a return to
+sarcasm.
+
+"It was probably a two-legged cat," said Mark.
+
+"Jest my idee!" remarked the deacon, quickly, "An' that brings it home
+to you. You was out with a gun, an' I caught you standin' beside the
+cow."
+
+"As to catching me," returned Mark, "there was no catching about it. I
+was crossing the pasture, and was attracted by the poor animal's moans.
+That is the way I happened to be near when you came up."
+
+"That all sounds very smooth," said the deacon, impatiently, "but if you
+didn't shoot the cow, who did?"
+
+"I think that question can be answered, Deacon Miller; John Downie!"
+
+To the deacon's surprise, John came into the room at this summons.
+
+"Johnny," said Mark, "will you tell the deacon who shot his cow!"
+
+"I don't like to tell," objected John; "it wasn't done on purpose."
+
+"Did you do it?" queried the deacon, sharply.
+
+"No, _sir_. I never fired a gun in my life."
+
+"Who did it, then?"
+
+"Must I tell, Mark?"
+
+"Yes, Johnny; Deacon Miller has a right to know; even if it was not done
+on purpose, the one who did it ought to make good the loss."
+
+"That's where you speak sense, Mark," said the deacon, approvingly.
+
+"Then it was Jim Collins."
+
+"James Collins—the squire's son!" repeated the deacon, astonished.
+
+"Yes."
+
+John proceeded to tell the story once more. The deacon, it is needless
+to say, listened very attentively.
+
+"So the boys run away, did they?" he inquired, grimly.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And I s'pose you'd have run away, too, if you had done it, hey?"
+
+"Perhaps I might," answered John, ingenuously. "I s'pose they were
+scared."
+
+"I'll scare 'em," growled the deacon. "Squire Collins is able to make up
+the loss to me, and I mean he shall." Then, with a momentary suspicion,
+"This ain't a story you an' Mark have got up between you, to get him
+off, is it?"
+
+"I will answer that, Deacon Miller," said Mark firmly. "If I had shot
+your cow, I wouldn't have run away, but I'd have gone right to you and
+told you about it, and I'd have paid you just as soon as I could."
+
+"That's right, that's right," said the deacon, approvingly, beginning to
+regard Mark with more favor. "Well, I must go and see the squire. Here,
+you John Downie, come along with me."
+
+"I've got to go home," said John.
+
+"But I can't prove it without you."
+
+"You can tell the squire that I saw it done, and am ready to swear to
+it, if he wants me to."
+
+"Mebbe that'll do if I send for you, you'll come, hey?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The deacon did not feel disposed to postpone what he regarded as
+important business, and he left the cottage, taking the shortest
+direction to the squire's more imposing dwelling. We will precede him.
+
+James Collins and his friend, as already described, ran away as fast as
+their legs could carry them, when they ascertained what damage had been
+done.
+
+No one, so far as they knew, had seen them, and they hoped to escape,
+scot free.
+
+Tom accompanied James home, and stayed to supper. After supper the boys
+went out, and had a conference together.
+
+James felt a little nervous, though he believed that he was safe from
+incurring suspicion.
+
+"I wonder if the deacon has found old Whitey yet?" said James.
+
+"I guess so," answered Tom. "He usually goes after the cows before
+this."
+
+"I wonder how he'll think it happened?"
+
+"Maybe he'll lay it to Mark."
+
+James was not very much disturbed at this supposition.
+
+"That would be a good joke!" he said.
+
+"Not for Mark."
+
+"Mark can take care of himself. He was out with a gun as well as we."
+
+"His mother couldn't afford to pay for the cow," said Tom, who was
+rather more considerate than his companion.
+
+"That's none of my business. And, Tom, there's something I want to say
+to you."
+
+"Go ahead!"
+
+"If Mark is accused, don't you go to saying it's a mistake. Remember
+it's none of your business."
+
+Tom looked uncomfortable, having some conscience.
+
+"It would be rough on a poor woman like Mrs. Manning having to pay for
+the deacon's cow."
+
+"You're mighty considerate, Tom. You might consider me a little. If it
+were known that I shot the cow, father would make me pay at least half
+the bill out of my money in the savings' bank. I thought you were my
+friend!"
+
+"So I am."
+
+"Then you won't betray me. As for Mark, the deacon can't prove it
+against him, so he won't have to pay."
+
+"Then the deacon will lose his cow, and get no pay."
+
+"He can afford it. He's a stingy old lunks, anyway."
+
+"That's true enough."
+
+"And it won't ruin him if he does lose the cow. He's able to buy
+another."
+
+It struck Tom, though he was not over conscientious, that this was not
+exactly the way to regard the matter, but he did not like to offend
+James, and he had ventured to oppose him more than usual already. So he
+remained silent.
+
+James was not quite satisfied with his friend. He was not altogether
+sure of his fidelity.
+
+"I've got only one thing to say, Tom," he added. "If you go back on me,
+and breathe a word of what happened in the pasture, I'll never speak to
+you again as long as I live."
+
+"Who's going back on you? did I say I was?" demanded Tom rather
+irritably.
+
+"All right, then; I only wanted to have the thing understood between us,
+I didn't really think you would be mean enough to tell."
+
+So a satisfactory understanding was established between the two boys,
+and it looked as if Mark was likely to be the victim of their alliance.
+
+But just when James was beginning to feel secure, he was startled by an
+apparition just looming in sight on the highway. It was not a formidable
+figure—that of Deacon Miller—but under the circumstances James turned
+pale and his heart began to beat.
+
+"Tom," he gasped; "isn't that Deacon Miller coming up the road?"
+
+"It's the deacon sure enough!" answered Tom, looking disconcerted.
+
+"Do you think he's coming here?" queried James nervously.
+
+"Looks like it?" muttered Tom.
+
+"Do you think he can have——heard anything?"
+
+"Perhaps he heard that we were out with guns?" suggested Tom. "He may
+have come to make inquiries."
+
+"Just so, now, Tom, be careful not to look as if there was anything the
+matter. We'll be extra polite to the old fellow."
+
+"All right!"
+
+"He may not be coming here after all."
+
+But he was! arrived at the gate Deacon Miller paused, and opening it
+entered the front yard. He looked sharply at the two boys who were
+standing on the lawn.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+                         THE DEACON'S MISSION.
+
+
+ORDINARILY James would not have considered Deacon Miller worth any
+polite attention, but the knowledge of what had happened in the pasture
+had its effect upon him. He thought it necessary by a little attention
+to disarm the deacon's suspicions if he had any.
+
+"Good evening, Deacon Miller," he said politely. "Did you wish to see
+father?"
+
+"Wal," said the deacon deliberately. "I have a little business with him.
+Is he at home?"
+
+"I am pretty sure he is," answered James. "Come in with me, and I'll
+see."
+
+The deacon smiled—an inscrutable smile—and followed James, who opened
+the front door and led him into the parlor.
+
+"You're very obligin'," he said. "I had no idea you was so polite."
+
+"It is the duty of a gentleman to be polite!" said James loftily.
+
+"So 'tis, so 'tis!" returned the old man chuckling in an unaccountable
+manner. "I'm glad you think so. It's a great thing to be a boy, I had
+lots of fun when I was a boy. So do you, hey?"
+
+"Oh yes," answered James indifferently. "But not as much as I could have
+in the city."
+
+"But you couldn't go huntin' and fishin' in the city," said the deacon
+slyly.
+
+James' heart gave a bound. What did the disagreeable old man mean? was
+it possible that he suspected?
+
+"I don't care much for either," he said. "But I'll go and call father."
+
+Presently the squire appeared and invited Deacon Miller into the back
+room, which was used as the family dining and sitting-room.
+
+"Glad to see, you, deacon," said Mr. Collins, who, having political
+aspirations, thought it worth while to be polite to his neighbors.
+
+"I ain't so sure of that, squire, when you know what I come about,"
+returned the deacon with a crafty smile.
+
+"No bad news, I hope, deacon."
+
+"Wal, it ain't good news. You know my cow, old Whitey?"
+
+"Well?" interrogated the squire, looking puzzled. He had heard nothing
+as yet of the accident in the pasture.
+
+"She was shot in the face this afternoon—her eyes totally destroyed. I
+shall have to kill her."
+
+"That's a pity! I sympathize with you, deacon. It must be a great
+disappointment to you. She was a good milker, wasn't she?"
+
+"Fust-rate! I never had a cow that could beat her. She was worth fifty
+dollars easy."
+
+"Very likely," said the squire, innocently, quite unaware of the trap
+which the wily deacon was preparing for him. It will be observed that
+the deacon, finding he had a case against a rich man, had concluded to
+raise the value of the cow by five dollars. "Fifty dollars is a
+considerable loss."
+
+"So 'tis, but I haven't got to lose it. The one that shot old Whitey is
+responsible."
+
+"Who did shoot her?" asked Squire Collins.
+
+"Your boy, James," answered the deacon, slowly.
+
+Squire Collins was very disagreeably surprised. He was not a man who
+liked to part with money, and he saw how he had been trapped.
+
+"Did you see James shoot the cow?" he demanded sharply.
+
+"N—o; I can't say I did," replied the deacon, cautiously.
+
+"I don't believe he did it then. Did he admit it to you?"
+
+"N—o. I didn't ask him about it."
+
+"Then, Deacon Miller, permit me to say that you have no case against
+him, and I am not responsible for your unfortunate loss.
+
+"Somebody else saw it!" remarked the deacon triumphantly.
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"John Downie."
+
+"John Downie! Pooh, he is a mere boy," said the squire, contemptuously.
+
+"He's got as many eyes as you or I, squire," said the deacon, shrewdly.
+
+This was unquestionably true, and the squire felt that he had made a
+foolish objection.
+
+"John Downie may not tell the truth," he said, angrily.
+
+"I'm willin' it should come before the court," said the deacon.
+"Wouldn't it be jest as well to ask your boy about it; he's out in the
+yard."
+
+James was still in the yard. He had half a mind to go away, but was
+anxious about the deacon's errand. When he heard his father's voice
+calling him he turned pale.
+
+"Wait for me, Tom," he said. "If you're asked, don't say I did it."
+
+Tom looked disturbed and uneasy, and did not reply.
+
+James entered his father's presence with a perturbed spirit. He stole a
+glance at the deacon, who sat with his wizened face calm and
+imperturbable.
+
+"Did you want me, father?" asked James.
+
+"James," said his father, abruptly, "Deacon Miller tells me that some
+one has shot his cow, old Whitey, this afternoon, and injured her so
+seriously that she will have to be killed."
+
+"I am sorry to hear it," said James, nervously.
+
+"Do you know who did it?"
+
+"How should I?" asked James, after a pause.
+
+"Wer'n't you out in the pastur' this afternoon?" asked the deacon,
+pointedly.
+
+"Yes," answered James, "Tom Wyman and I crossed the pasture."
+
+"With guns on your shoulders?"
+
+"Ye—es," admitted James.
+
+"Did you see anything of old Whitey?" continued the deacon, persevering
+in his pointed interrogations.
+
+"There were some cows there I remember; I suppose old Whitey was among
+them."
+
+"Did your gun go off while you were in the pasture?"
+
+"Ye—es, I believe it did. It went off accidentally."
+
+"And hit old Whitey?"
+
+"I don't know about that. It may not have hit anything."
+
+"Then you don't know that you hit my cow?"
+
+"I wasn't the only boy in the pasture this afternoon," said James,
+evasively.
+
+"I know all about that. Tom Wyman was with you."
+
+"Yes, and so was Mark Manning. He was out gunning most all the
+afternoon. Have you asked him whether he hit the cow?"
+
+"Yes," answered the deacon; "he says he didn't."
+
+"Of course he would say so," sneered James, more confidently. "He's just
+as likely to have done it as I."
+
+"That's what I thought myself," returned the deacon; "though Mark's a
+middlin' keerful boy. But I changed my mind."
+
+"Because he denied it?" asked James, with a return of the sneer.
+
+"Not exactly. There was a boy saw it done, and he told me who did it."
+
+"What boy saw it done?" asked James, all his apprehensions reviving.
+
+"John Downie."
+
+This was startling news to James.
+
+"And who does he say did it," he forced himself to ask.
+
+"You!" answered Deacon Miller, laconically.
+
+"I don't believe I did it," said James, wavering.
+
+"He says after you shot the cow, you and Tom Wyman ran away as fast as
+your legs could carry you," added the deacon, chuckling.
+
+James turned as red as scarlet, but said nothing. It was clear enough
+that he was guilty, and knew it.
+
+"Deacon Miller," said Squire Collins, "I will look into this matter, and
+if I find James shot your cow, we will make some arrangement about
+payment. Understand clearly, however, that I won't pay any fancy price,
+such as fifty dollars."
+
+"I won't argy the matter now, squire," said the deacon. "Good-evenin'."
+
+"James," said his father, "I won't scold you for a piece of
+carelessness, but whatever compensation is paid to the deacon must come
+from your account in the savings' bank."
+
+This was a sad blow to James, he had a hundred and fifty dollars in the
+bank, and this would make a heavy draft upon it.
+
+He went out into the yard without a word.
+
+"It's all up, Tom," he said. "John Downie has been telling tales about
+me. The first time I see him I'll give him a licking."
+
+"And serve him right, too, little tell-tale!" said Tom.
+
+Johnny did not expect what was in store for him, but he was soon to be
+enlightened.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+                        MARK PROTECTS A FRIEND.
+
+
+SQUIRE COLLINS succeeded in reducing the deacon's claim to thirty-eight
+dollars, and this sum James was obliged to withdraw from his savings in
+the bank. He thought it was very hard, as the shooting was merely an
+accident. He was fond of money, scarcely less so than Deacon Miller
+himself, and it went to his heart to find himself so much poorer than
+before.
+
+"It isn't as if I got any fun out of it," he complained to Tom. "It's
+just money thrown away."
+
+"It is a heavy sum to pay for a trifling carelessness," admitted Tom.
+
+"And I shouldn't have had a cent to pay but for John Downie. Why need
+the boy turn tell-tale?"
+
+"It was mean."
+
+"Mean? I should say so. I mean to come up with the fellow. I mean to
+give him the worst licking he ever had."
+
+Even if Tom disapproved of the intention, he at any rate did not express
+any disapproval, but left it to be understood that he considered it
+perfectly proper.
+
+Three days later the opportunity came. Tom and James were crossing the
+pasture, which had been the scene of the tragedy, when John, whistling
+gayly, met them.
+
+"Now's my chance," said James, triumphantly. "There's the sneak that
+told of me. See how I'll serve him."
+
+John Downie, seeing the boys approaching, nodded his head, saying in a
+friendly manner, "hello!"
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" said James, in a hostile tone, stopping short.
+
+"Yes, it's me. Who did you think it was?" returned John, laughing.
+
+"I've been wanting to meet you, John Downie."
+
+"What for?" asked John. He could not help seeing now that the speaker
+spoke like an enemy.
+
+"To tell you that you are a sneak and a tell-tale."
+
+"What do you mean by that?" demanded John, beginning himself to be
+angry.
+
+"You ought to know without asking. Wasn't it you that told about my
+shooting old Whitey?"
+
+"Well, you did shoot her, didn't you?"
+
+"Suppose I did. You needn't have blurted it out."
+
+"The deacon charged Mark Manning with it. I wasn't going to see him
+suffer for it when I saw you do it."
+
+"You're a great friend of Mark Manning, it seems," said James, with a
+sneer.
+
+"Yes, I am; but, even if I hadn't been, I would have told. His mother is
+poor, and couldn't afford to pay for the cow."
+
+"She'll be poorer yet before long, I'm thinking," said James. "Do you
+know what I'm going to do to you?"
+
+"Perhaps you'll tell me," said John Downie, calmly.
+
+"I'm going to give you a licking."
+
+"If I'll let you."
+
+James laughed derisively; Johnny was two inches shorter than he, and so
+far as appearances went was not as strong. In a contest between the two,
+there was little doubt that James would come out the victor.
+
+"I don't think you'll have much to say in the matter," said James. "Just
+move out of the way, Tom, and give me a chance at him."
+
+Tom did as requested, and James rushed at John with an impetuosity born
+of anger. John prepared to defend himself. The boys were soon grappling,
+trying to trip each other up. Neither knew much of the science of
+fighting, and victory naturally came to the stronger. In about two
+minutes John was on his back, with James kneeling over him, aiming blows
+at his face.
+
+"I told you I'd give you a licking," said James, closing his teeth,
+firmly.
+
+"Oh, let him off, James," said Tom. "This ought to satisfy you."
+
+"But it doesn't. I'm going to give him a lesson he'll remember all his
+life."
+
+James undertook to belabor his fallen opponent, but he had been so
+preoccupied that he did not notice a boy running towards the scene of
+conflict, neither did Tom, who had his back turned.
+
+Luckily for John, Mark Manning was on his way to call upon the hermit,
+when he became an indignant witness of James's brutality. He said
+nothing, but fairly flew across the pasture till he reached the
+battle-field. The first intimation James had of his presence was a
+vigorous grasp of his coat collar, and in an instant he was lying on his
+back close to his late victim, with Mark standing over him.
+
+"I'm ashamed of you, James Collins," he said, sternly. "You're a
+contemptible coward to attack a smaller boy like Johnny."
+
+"Knock him over, Tom," shrieked James, furiously. "I'll give him a
+licking, too."
+
+"It doesn't look much like it," said Mark, with his knee on James's
+breast.
+
+"Help, Tom!" called James, struggling once more.
+
+Tom felt obliged to take an active part in the fight, though it was by
+no means to his taste. He seized Mark by the shoulders, and tried to
+drag him away from his prostrate friend, but by this time John Downie
+was on his feet, and ran forward, giving Tom a push which sent him
+headlong on the other side of James.
+
+"Let me up, you low ruffian!" screamed James.
+
+"Will you promise to behave yourself, then?"
+
+"I will promise nothing."
+
+"Then you can stay here a little longer. What made you attack Johnny?"
+
+"It's none of your business. I'll lick him as often as I please."
+
+"Not while I am around. Johnny, what made him attack you?"
+
+"He said I was a tell-tale, because I told of his shooting the cow."
+
+"And so you are! Let me up, Mark Manning."
+
+"Will you promise?"
+
+"No, I won't."
+
+"Let him up, Mark," said Johnny. "He won't dare to attack me while you
+are here."
+
+"No, I think not. Get up then, James, and take care how you pitch into
+Johnny again. Just as sure as you do, you'll have to settle accounts
+with me."
+
+Released from the pressure that held him down, James rose, angry and
+humiliated. He would sooner have been worsted by any one than Mark,
+whom, for some reason not easy to divine, he especially hated.
+
+"You took me at advantage," he said, sullenly, "or you couldn't have
+thrown me."
+
+"Do you want to try it again?" asked Mark, quietly. "Now we stand face
+to face, and you have as fair a chance as I."
+
+"I don't care to demean myself by fighting with such a low working boy
+as you."
+
+"I commend your prudence, James," said Mark, undisturbed by this taunt.
+"As for being a working boy, I am not ashamed of that."
+
+"You're only a common pegger."
+
+"Very true, I hope to rise higher some time."
+
+"You won't work much longer in my father's shop. I'll have you
+discharged."
+
+"Just as you please. I think I can earn a living in some other way.
+Come, Johnny, if James has no further business with you, we may as well
+go along."
+
+James, appearing to have no wish to resume hostilities, Mark and Johnny
+walked away.
+
+"You won't hear the last of this very soon," said James, as a farewell
+shot.
+
+"Do you think he'll get his father to discharge you, Mark?" asked
+Johnny.
+
+"I think very likely."
+
+"I am very sorry you have got into trouble on my account."
+
+"Don't worry, Johnny. I did right, and am ready to take the
+consequences."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+                          MARK IS DISCHARGED.
+
+
+THE next day Mark, with some misgivings, repaired to the shoe
+manufactory as usual. He knew he had done a bold thing in defending
+Johnny against his employer's son, but he never thought of regretting
+it.
+
+"I would do it again," he said to himself. "Catch me standing by and
+seeing Johnny whipped by any boy, no matter who he is."
+
+Mark laid aside his hat and coat, and went to his customary bench.
+
+He had been at work fifteen minutes only, when Mr. Waite, the head of
+the room, entered, and went up to where he was standing.
+
+"Mr. Collins wants to see you, Mark," he said.
+
+"Do you know what for, Mr. Waite?" Mark asked.
+
+"No, Mark, but I hope it is to raise your wages," said Mr. Waite,
+pleasantly, for he had always liked our hero.
+
+"I am afraid it is something quite different," said Mark, shaking his
+head.
+
+"No trouble, I hope, Mark?"
+
+"I can tell you better when I return."
+
+Mark put on his coat, and went downstairs to the office.
+
+Squire Collins was seated at a desk, with his spectacles astride his
+nose. He looked up as Mark entered.
+
+"Mr. Waite tells me you wish to see me, Mr. Collins," said Mark.
+
+"Yes," said the squire, frowning. "I presume you can guess what I want
+to see you about."
+
+"Perhaps so," answered Mark.
+
+"I understand that you made a violent attack upon my son James in the
+pasture, yesterday afternoon."
+
+"We did have a little difficulty," Mark admitted.
+
+"Ha! I am glad you confess it. James says you made an unprovoked attack
+upon him."
+
+"That is not quite true, Squire Collins; I was very much provoked."
+
+"Did my son attack you first?" demanded the squire, sharply.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"So I thought. Then you have no excuse by your own confession."
+
+"I think I have an excuse."
+
+"I fail to understand what it can be. To me it appears like a
+high-handed outrage of which you were guilty."
+
+"I suppose James did not tell you what he was doing when I attacked
+him?"
+
+"No, I cannot remember that he did. What does that signify?"
+
+"He had John Downie upon the ground, and was beating him brutally."
+
+Squire Collins was somewhat nonplussed at this revelation, as James had
+said nothing about Johnny.
+
+"Well?" he said.
+
+"I ran up, and pulled him off, and prevented him from hurting Johnny."
+
+Squire Collins was rather embarrassed. He saw clearly that his son had
+been in the wrong, yet he was inclined to stand by him. Moreover, it
+chafed him that a poor boy should have presumed to interfere with his
+son, much more use violence towards him.
+
+He drew out his handkerchief and blew his nose, partly to gain time for
+consideration. At length he spoke.
+
+"My son feels very indignant at your presumption in assaulting him," he
+said, "and I wonder myself that you didn't see the impropriety of
+attacking the son of your employer."
+
+"Would you have had me stand by and see Johnny beaten?" asked Mark,
+indignantly.
+
+"I do not feel disposed to argue with you," said the squire, in a
+dignified tone. "I feel compelled to take some action in the matter
+though I regret it. I cannot, of course, retain you in my employ. You
+are discharged. I have made up your account to date, and here is the sum
+due you."
+
+"Very well, sir," answered Mark, quietly, though his heart sank within
+him.
+
+Squire Collins handed him a dollar and thirty-seven cents, and Mark,
+putting them into his pocket, bowed and withdrew.
+
+He went back to the room where his hat hung, and taking it down, said to
+his fellow-workmen:
+
+"Good-bye, boys, I shan't be with you any longer."
+
+"Why, Mark, what's the matter!" asked his next neighbor.
+
+"I'm discharged; that's all."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"I'll tell you some other time—not now."
+
+"Mark, I'm really sorry for this," said Mr. Waite, pressing his hand
+warmly. "I wish you good luck!"
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Waite," answered Mark, his lip quivering a little. "I
+will hope for the best."
+
+Mark walked home with a slow step. He dreaded to tell his mother of his
+discharge, for he knew that she would be still more depressed than
+himself. Youth is hopeful, but middle age is less sanguine.
+
+"I won't go home at once," thought Mark. "I will go to the wood and see
+the hermit. He may have some errand for me, and besides, he may be able
+to give me some advice."
+
+One object which Mark had, however, was to delay breaking the unwelcome
+news to his mother.
+
+He bent his steps towards the pasture, which he must cross in order to
+penetrate to the wood by the usual path.
+
+In a few minutes he entered the cabin, the door of which he found open.
+
+The hermit was no longer reclining, but was seated in a
+rocking-chair—the only article of luxury which the poor dwelling
+contained.
+
+"Good morning, sir!" said Mark. "I hope you are better."
+
+"I am much better. But how does it happen that you come here in the
+morning? I supposed you were at work in the shoe factory."
+
+"I have lost my place there; I was discharged this morning."
+
+"Ha! how is that?"
+
+Upon this Mark told the story of his encounter with the boys in the
+pasture.
+
+"I suppose," he concluded, "that James got me discharged in revenge for
+my interfering with him."
+
+"Then you regret what you did?" inquired the hermit.
+
+"No, I don't," answered Mark, warmly. "I couldn't stand by and see
+Johnny beaten."
+
+"You are right, and I respect you for what you did."
+
+"It is a grievous thing for me, though," said Mark. "It takes away my
+income, and I don't see how mother and I are going to live."
+
+"How much were you paid?"
+
+"About three dollars and a half a week. Sometimes I made a little more
+by over-work."
+
+"You have no occasion to be disturbed. I was about to propose that you
+should leave your place."
+
+Mark looked surprised.
+
+"I will take you into my own employ," added Anthony. "How long have you
+been coming to me?"
+
+"A week, sir."
+
+"You may retain five dollars in compensation from the money you hold of
+mine, and hereafter, as you will give me your whole time, you shall be
+paid at the rate of a dollar a day—that is, seven dollars a week."
+
+"But, sir, you are overpaying me," protested Mark, who thought this
+compensation magnificent.
+
+"Be it so. I can afford it. Let me know when you need more money."
+
+"I have still about fifteen dollars."
+
+"After paying yourself for the last week?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Can I do anything for you now?"
+
+"Yes. I feel like taking a walk. That shows I am better. You may come
+with me, and if I tire myself, I will lean upon your arm in returning."
+
+"With pleasure, sir. I am very glad that you feel better."
+
+"After all," mused the old man, "it is pleasant to have human sympathy.
+I thought I was able to do without it, but I am more dependent than I
+supposed."
+
+They walked for half an hour. When they returned to the cabin, the
+hermit said:
+
+"To-morrow morning I expect a visitor from the city. I wish you to meet
+him at the train, and conduct him here. He is a small man, with a sharp
+look, and will probably be dressed in black. In fact, he is my man of
+business. You need say nothing of this, however, but let people
+conjecture as they will."
+
+"And shall I speak of my arrangement with you, sir?"
+
+"You may merely say that I have engaged you to do my errands. I shall
+not require you again to-day."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+                      GOOD LUCK AFTER MISFORTUNE.
+
+
+MARK'S spirits were wonderfully improved when he left the hermit's
+cabin, and took his way homeward. So far from being injuriously affected
+by his discharge from the shoe-shop, his income was considerably
+increased. Not only this, but he had received five dollars for his past
+week's services over and above what he had been paid for his work in the
+shop.
+
+"Now," thought he. "I can tell mother without minding it."
+
+But his mother had already heard of it. A neighbor, Mrs. Parker, who
+rather enjoyed telling bad news, had heard of it through her son, who
+also worked in the work-shop.
+
+She at once left her work, and hurried over to Mrs. Manning's.
+
+"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," said the widow, cheerfully. "Take a chair,
+do."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Manning, I can't stop a minute. I left my kitchen at
+sixes and sevens, on purpose to condole with you. I declare, it's really
+too bad."
+
+"What is too bad? I don't understand you?" said Mrs. Manning, perplexed.
+
+"About your son Mark, I mean."
+
+"What has happened to him? Is he hurt?" asked the widow, with a pale
+face.
+
+"No, no; hasn't he been home?"
+
+"He is at the shoe-shop, of course."
+
+"No, he is not. He was discharged by Squire Collins this morning."
+
+"Discharged? What for?"
+
+"Don't you know? Some quarrel between Mark and James Collins, I
+believe."
+
+"I am glad he is not hurt."
+
+"But hasn't he been home? I wonder at that."
+
+"I have seen nothing of him since he started for the shop."
+
+"That's strange."
+
+"Poor boy! I suppose he doesn't like to tell me he is discharged,"
+sighed the widow. "It will be a serious thing for us, for I don't know
+where else he will find work."
+
+"O, something will turn up," said Mrs. Parker, who could bear the
+misfortunes of her neighbors very cheerfully. "But I must run home, or
+my dinner will be late."
+
+The more Mrs. Manning thought of Mark's loss of employment, the more
+troubled she felt. Three dollars and a half a week was not a large sum,
+but it was more than half their income, and how they were to make it up
+she could not conjecture. Perhaps she could induce Mark to apologize to
+James, in which case the squire might be induced to take him back. While
+her mind was busy with such thoughts, Mark entered the house whistling.
+His mother was considerably surprised at this evidence of
+light-heartedness under the circumstances.
+
+He entered the room where his mother was at work.
+
+"Well, mother, is dinner almost ready?" he asked.
+
+"It will be ready soon. But oh, Mark, what is this I hear about your
+being discharged from the shoe-shop?"
+
+"It is all true, mother, but you needn't worry over it. We shall get
+along just as well."
+
+"I don't see how. There is no other shop in the village."
+
+"I have another job already, and a better one."
+
+Mrs. Manning opened her eyes in astonishment.
+
+"What can it be?" she asked.
+
+"Old Anthony has hired me to do his errands."
+
+"I am afraid, Mark, that will amount to very little."
+
+"I am to receive five dollars a week."
+
+"Do you really mean this? I thought he was very poor."
+
+"Quite the contrary, mother, but we mustn't say that to others. Let
+people think he is poor. Here are five dollars which he has paid me for
+the last week, though I have worked in the shop, and done very little
+for it. Take it, mother, and use as you need it."
+
+"Will this last, Mark?" asked his mother, almost incredulously.
+
+"I think it will. The hermit seems to have taken a special fancy to me,
+and he says he can well afford to pay me this sum. I say, mother,
+suppose I invite him to take dinner with us next Sunday?"
+
+"With all my heart, Mark. He seems to me like a good Providence who has
+come to our help at this juncture."
+
+"Do you need anything at the store this afternoon?"
+
+"The butter and sugar are out, Mark."
+
+"Give me the five-dollar bill, then, mother, and I will buy some."
+
+Shortly after dinner Mark started for the store. On the way he met
+several persons who condoled with him on his loss of place. They were
+surprised to find that Mark looked cheerful, and even gay.
+
+"Yes," he said, "I've retired from the shoe business on a fortune."
+
+"You don't seem to mind it!"
+
+"No, I can stand it well enough, but I pity Squire Collins for losing my
+valuable services."
+
+"I thought you'd be down in the mouth. You don't seem to care."
+
+"Why should I? Care killed a cat."
+
+Arrived at the store, Mark stepped up to the counter and called for two
+pounds of sugar and two pounds of butter.
+
+Mr. Palmer, the grocer, had heard of Mark's dismissal, and being a
+cautious man, inquired:
+
+"Are you going to pay cash?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"I heard you had lost your place at the shop."
+
+"Yes," answered Mark, smiling, "I discharged Squire Collins."
+
+"It'll be rather hard on you, won't it?"
+
+"I guess I can pay my bills, Mr. Palmer. At any rate I can pay for what
+I am buying now."
+
+The grocer put up the packages, and was surprised when Mark handed him a
+five-dollar bill in payment.
+
+"Seems to me you're flush," he said.
+
+"So it seems," answered Mark, but he volunteered no information.
+
+"I can't make out that boy," said the grocer to his assistant, after
+Mark had gone out. "He looks as if he had got a good place instead of
+losing it. I wonder if the widder's got any money?"
+
+"Not much, except what Mark brings in."
+
+"They'll be asking credit soon, Enoch. Don't trust them till you've
+referred to me."
+
+"No, sir, I won't."
+
+On his way home Mark met the cause of his discharge, James Collins,
+accompanied as usual by his friend, Tom Wyman.
+
+"Hallo!" said James, eying Mark, triumphantly.
+
+"Hallo!"
+
+"Why ain't you at the shop?"
+
+"Probably you know."
+
+"Yes, I do know. You've been discharged."
+
+"I suppose I am indebted to your kindness for that."
+
+"Yes, you are. Perhaps now you will be sorry for your impertinence to me
+in the pasture."
+
+"When I am I'll tell you so. At present I am glad, and would do the same
+thing again."
+
+"How do you expect to live?"
+
+"On victuals and drink, thank you."
+
+"If you have money to buy them," supplemented James, with a malicious
+smile.
+
+"I've got a little money left," and Mark drew out not only his own but
+the hermit's money. "You see I don't depend on work in the shoe-shop."
+
+James was both amazed and annoyed.
+
+"Where did you get that money?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"I am afraid I must leave your curiosity ungratified. I'll tell you, as
+it may interest you, that I should have resigned my place in the shop at
+the end of the week, even if you hadn't kindly got me discharged."
+
+So saying, Mark walked away.
+
+"Where do you think he got that money, Tom?" said James.
+
+"Blamed if I know!"
+
+The next morning Mark walked to the depot to meet the morning train.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII.
+                        THE LITTLE MAN IN BLACK.
+
+
+WHEN the morning train arrived, Mark was on hand. He watched carefully
+for the man he was sent to meet. As it happened, the business agent was
+the last man to leave the train. He stepped upon the platform, and began
+to look about him.
+
+Mark advanced towards him, and raised his hat, politely.
+
+"Is this Mr. Hardy?" he asked.
+
+The small man regarded him sharply.
+
+"Yes," he answered. "Have you a message for me?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I am to conduct you to Mr. Taylor."
+
+"Just so. How is his health?"
+
+"He has had an attack of rheumatism, but is better."
+
+"No wonder he is sick, living in that out-of-the-way place. Do you know
+him well?"
+
+"Pretty well, sir. I am in his employ."
+
+"Ha! then he is living a little more as he should do. What is your
+name?"
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"M. M. Just so. Sounds like a fancy name. Is it?"
+
+"No, sir; it's all the name I have," said Mark smiling.
+
+"How long have you been in the employ of Mr. Taylor?"
+
+"Only a little over a week."
+
+"Do you know anything about his history?" demanded Mr. Hardy, with a
+sharp look of inquiry.
+
+"Yes, sir. He has told me something of it."
+
+"Humph! Then he must have confidence in you. Well, let us be starting.
+Is it far?"
+
+"Nearly two miles, sir. Perhaps you will be tired."
+
+"In which case you will perhaps kindly carry me on your shoulders,"
+suggested Mr. Hardy, quizzically.
+
+"I am afraid I shouldn't be able to do that," returned Mark, with a
+smile.
+
+"And yet, I don't believe I weigh much more than you. What is your
+weight?"
+
+"One hundred and twenty-three pounds."
+
+"And I weigh one hundred and twenty-four. I have one pound the advantage
+of you."
+
+Mark, who was a stout boy, was rather pleased to learn that he weighed
+within a pound as much as his companion. I suppose most boys are proud
+of their size.
+
+They had commenced their walk and Mark found that his new acquaintance
+was a fast walker.
+
+"Does Mr. Taylor ever have any visitors?" asked the lawyer, for such was
+his profession.
+
+"Not from the village, sir."
+
+"From any other quarter?" asked Hardy.
+
+"He had a call from his nephew, lately."
+
+"Lyman Taylor?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then he has found his uncle's place of concealment. What do you know of
+the interview?"
+
+Mark gave an account of Lyman's visit, his demand for money, and his
+threatened violence.
+
+"Did he suppose his uncle had money?" inquired the lawyer, in an anxious
+tone.
+
+"He did not suppose he had much, but he wanted a part of it, however
+small."
+
+"Did he succeed in obtaining anything?"
+
+"Mr. Taylor told me to give him five dollars."
+
+"Why you?"
+
+"I had a sum of money belonging to the hermit, in my possession. I used
+to buy things for him in the village."
+
+"Then you think Lyman went away with the impression that my friend—the
+hermit, as you call him—had very little money?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I am sure of it."
+
+"Are you under the same impression?"
+
+"No, sir; Mr Taylor has told me that he is moderately rich."
+
+"That shows he has great confidence in you. Don't breathe a word of it,
+my boy, or this rascally nephew will persecute his uncle, and make his
+life a burden."
+
+"He will learn nothing from me," said Mark firmly.
+
+"You seem a good trustworthy boy—I think my friend made a good choice of
+a confidant."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+At length they reached the cabin in the wood. Old Anthony was already
+outside, waiting for their coming.
+
+"Good morning, my friend," said the lawyer; "the boy tells me you have
+been sick——"
+
+"Yes, I have had a visit from my old enemy, but I am much better."
+
+"To be sick in such a place!" said the lawyer with a shudder.
+
+"I have not suffered, thanks to Mark—will you come in?"
+
+"Let us rather bring chairs outside, if you are provided with such
+luxuries. We shall have several matters to discuss."
+
+Mr. Hardy glanced significantly at Mark, who was leaning against a tree,
+and could of course hear the conversation.
+
+"Mark," said the hermit, "you may go farther away, but return in an
+hour. This gentleman and myself may have some things to speak of which
+are private."
+
+"Certainly, sir."
+
+"Well, old friend," Hardy began, "haven't you had enough of this strange
+existence? you are rich, and can afford all the comforts of life, yet
+you voluntarily surrender them, and bury yourself in this wilderness. Do
+you mean to stay here all your life?"
+
+"I did at one time think it probable, now I am beginning to feel a
+greater interest in life."
+
+"The boy tells me your nephew has found you out?"
+
+"Yes; he came here in quest of money, but he went away convinced that I
+was nearly as poor as himself. If he knew the truth I should be in
+constant danger of robbery, or worse——"
+
+"If you die without a will, is he not your heir?"
+
+"He would be, but I shall make a will. It is partly to give you
+instructions on this point that I have sent for you."
+
+"You have no one else to leave your money to?"
+
+"A part will go to charitable institutions, a part——"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"To one whom I hold in greater regard than my nephew—to the boy, who
+guided you hither."
+
+"Indeed! does he know anything of your purpose?"
+
+"Nothing, and need not."
+
+"You have taken a fancy to him?"
+
+"Yes; he is honest, manly, upright, just such a boy as I should have
+been glad to have for my son. Don't dissuade me, for the thought of
+doing something for him gives me a new interest in life."
+
+"I shall not dissuade you, Anthony, for I believe the boy to be all that
+you say. Of course if you had a blood relation who was deserving, I
+might make an objection. Has this boy relations?"
+
+"Only a mother, who is mainly dependent upon him. By the way, have you
+invested the sum paid in lately?"
+
+"No; but I have an application for it, or I should say, for four-fifths
+of it. Curiously, the applicant lives in this town."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Collins, the shoe manufacturer."
+
+"I am surprised at this. I thought he was rich."
+
+"He has lost money by investments in stocks, and finds himself hard up."
+
+"What does he offer?"
+
+"Seven per cent, secured by a mortgage on his shop."
+
+"Let him have it."
+
+"Are you willing that your name should appear in the matter?"
+
+"No; I shall transfer the sum to Mark, and make you his trustee or
+guardian."
+
+"I understand. Is he to know of his good fortune?"
+
+"Not at present. The boy was discharged only yesterday from the shop of
+this Collins," added Anthony, smiling.
+
+"A good joke!" said the lawyer. "And now the boy lends him money. That
+is returning good for evil."
+
+"Without knowing it."
+
+"Precisely."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+                         AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL.
+
+
+"THERE is a further sum of a thousand dollars," suggested the lawyer.
+"What is your pleasure in regard to that?"
+
+"The boy is to have that too. Deposit it in some savings' bank in your
+own name as his trustee."
+
+"That makes the boy worth five thousand dollars—a large gift."
+
+"Exactly, but I know of no better use for it."
+
+"He is to remain ignorant of this also?"
+
+"For the present, yes."
+
+"Now for your instructions concerning the will. I will note them down,
+and prepare the document for your signature."
+
+These directions were given, one-half of the hermit's property being
+left to certain specified charities, the remaining half to Mark Manning.
+
+The lawyer wrote in silence. Then, pausing, he said:
+
+"Will you allow me, in right of our long friendship, to make one
+suggestion?"
+
+"Surely, John."
+
+"Then let me ask if you are sure that there is no one having a rightful
+claim upon you, and who ought to be considered in this matter?"
+
+"Do you mean Lyman?"
+
+"By no means. He has forfeited any claim he may once have possessed."
+
+"Then what is your meaning?"
+
+"Are you sure that your daughter left no issue?"
+
+Anthony's brow contracted, not with anger but with pain. The old wound
+had not healed.
+
+"I never heard of any," he answered, after a pause.
+
+"Yet there may have been a child."
+
+"And if there were?"
+
+"It would be your grandchild," said the lawyer, firmly.
+
+"And his child," said the hermit, bitterly.
+
+"You should not impute that to the child for blame."
+
+"What would you have me do, old friend?"
+
+"Make provision for the child, if there should be one."
+
+"What would you suggest?" asked Anthony, slowly.
+
+"I don't wish to injure the boy; I would only suggest that charity
+begins at home. Divide your estate into thirds; give one-third to Mark,
+one to the child, if there be one, and one to charity."
+
+"I have no objection to that. But suppose there be no child living?"
+
+"Then divide that third between Mark and the charitable societies you
+have enumerated."
+
+"Wisely counseled, John, but why not give it to you?"
+
+"Because I am moderately rich already, and need nothing more. Then,
+also, it would work against my interest to find the child. I might turn
+out to be as wicked and unprincipled as most lawyers are said to be," he
+concluded, with a smile.
+
+"I have no fear of that. So that is your only objection—"
+
+"It isn't. Give it all to the boy in preference."
+
+"No, let it be as you proposed."
+
+"One thing more. Don't you think it is your duty to ascertain whether
+you have a grandchild? It may be living in poverty; perhaps in actual
+want."
+
+"You are right; I should have thought of that before. But what steps
+would you advise me to take?"
+
+"Send some trusted messenger to the last place where you have
+information that your daughter lived. Have you tidings of her husband?"
+
+"He died first. Both died of typhoid fever, as I learned."
+
+"Where did they die?"
+
+"At a small place in Indiana—Claremont, I think."
+
+"Then you should send there, and make inquiries. It would be well to go
+yourself, if you could bring yourself to do it."
+
+"But I couldn't."
+
+"Then send a trusted messenger."
+
+"I have none whom I could trust—except that boy."
+
+John Hardy looked thoughtful. He appeared to be pondering something.
+Finally he said: "Then send him. He is a boy, but he is faithful and
+discreet. Moreover, I could advise him."
+
+"Let it be so!"
+
+"Can you spare him?"
+
+"Yes, I am quite recovered, and he may not be gone many weeks. If I need
+help I can easily receive it."
+
+"I would suggest a delay of a week or two, or till the will is drawn up
+and signed, and some other business attended to."
+
+"I shall be guided entirely by your advice."
+
+"Now shall I leave you some money?"
+
+"No, I have enough to last for some time to come."
+
+"You don't keep it in this cabin, do you? It would be imprudent. You
+would be exposed to robbery."
+
+"No, I have a place of concealment in the woods. I shall go this
+afternoon, taking Mark with me, to draw from it. It is my bank."
+
+"The bank of the woods," suggested Hardy, laughing.
+
+"Yes."
+
+Presently Mark returned, and conducted the lawyer back to the station.
+Without the boy's remarking it, his elderly companion drew him out,
+weighed him mentally in the balance, and decided that his client was
+not, after all, rash in confiding in a mere boy.
+
+"He's smart and honest!" was his mental verdict.
+
+At the station, he handed Mark a card containing the address of his
+office.
+
+"Unless I am much mistaken," he said, "Mr. Taylor will have occasion to
+send you to my office in the city before long."
+
+"I shall be very glad to come," answered Mark, gladly. "I don't often
+get a chance to come to New York."
+
+The lawyer shook hands with Mark, and boarded the train.
+
+Turning to leave the station, Mark encountered the gaze of his two
+hunting companions, James Collins and Tom Wyman, fixed curiously upon
+him.
+
+"Who is that old file?" asked James, with his usual want of ceremony.
+
+"A gentleman from New York," answered Mark, briefly.
+
+"What's his name?"
+
+"John Hardy."
+
+"How did you run across him?"
+
+"I didn't; he ran across me."
+
+"How did you get acquainted with him?"
+
+"He asked me to be his guide. I walked about with him."
+
+"O, a tourist! Did he give you anything?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then all your time and trouble was thrown away," sneered James.
+
+"I don't know about that. He invited me to call at his office when I
+came to the city."
+
+"That is hardly likely to do you any good. Business doesn't call you to
+the city very often."
+
+"That is true," said Mark, his temper undisturbed.
+
+"A quarter would have helped you more, especially now that you are out
+of work."
+
+"I am glad you sympathize with me, James. Perhaps you will ask your
+father to take me back into the shop?"
+
+"Not after the mean way in which you treated me. I swore I'd come up
+with you, and I have."
+
+"I hope you'll enjoy your revenge."
+
+"I do, you may be sure of that. If you had minded your own business, it
+would have been better for you."
+
+"I am not sure about that. It may surprise you, James, to hear that I
+wouldn't go back to the shop, if your father were to call and ask me to
+do so."
+
+"That's a likely story!"
+
+"Likely or not, it's true."
+
+"I suppose you have come into a fortune," said James, with a sneer.
+
+This was what had actually happened, but Mark had no more knowledge of
+his good fortune than James.
+
+Later in the day Mark presented himself at the cabin in the woods.
+
+"I thought you might have an errand for me," he said.
+
+"So I have," returned the hermit. "Take yonder spade and come with me."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+                           THE HERMIT'S BANK.
+
+
+MARK was considerably surprised by the order he had received. What was
+he do with a spade? They were in the woods, and there was no arable land
+near. However, Mark was sensible enough to understand that it was his
+duty to obey, not to question.
+
+"All right, sir!" he said, but there was a wonder in his look which old
+Anthony noticed with a smile. However, he did not immediately throw any
+light on the mystery.
+
+They walked possibly a quarter of a mile till they reached a
+comparatively open space near the center of which stood a tall tree.
+
+"We will stop here," said Anthony.
+
+Mark lowered the spade, which he had been carrying on his shoulder, and
+waited further instructions.
+
+Old Anthony produced a compass to make sure of his bearings, and a tape
+measure. One end of this he gave to Mark, saying: "Stand by the tree."
+
+Mark, wondering as much as ever, took his position beside the tree.
+
+"A little more on that side!" was the next direction.
+
+When Mark was placed to suit him, Anthony took the other end of the tape
+measure, and measured due east sixteen feet.
+
+"Yes," he said musingly, "this must be the spot."
+
+Marking the spot with a stone, he said:
+
+"Bring the spade to me, Mark."
+
+Mark did so.
+
+"I suppose you wonder what I am going to do?" said the hermit with a
+smile.
+
+"Yes, sir," Mark admitted.
+
+"This is my bank," explained Anthony.
+
+Mark wondered whether the hermit was in his right mind. He stood by
+curious and attentive, while Anthony began to disturb the soil, throwing
+up one spadeful of dirt after another.
+
+He continued at his task for ten minutes, and then desisted.
+
+"I get fatigued easily," he said; "here, Mark, take your turn."
+
+Mark took the spade, and continued the excavation. He was young and
+strong, and bore the fatigue better than his employer. At length he felt
+the spade striking something hard.
+
+"I have struck something," he said.
+
+"Very well, now proceed more carefully, so as not to break the vessel.
+Uncover it, and then I will tell you what to do——"
+
+The hole was now about eighteen inches deep. Mark cleared away some of
+the dirt, and disclosed an earthen pot which appeared to be provided
+with a cover.
+
+"What shall I do now?" he asked.
+
+"Stoop down, and remove the cover, and take out what you find inside."
+
+Mark got down on his knees, and bending over, accomplished what was
+asked of him. To his surprise he saw that the bottom of the pot was
+covered with gold pieces.
+
+"Take them out, and hand them to me," said old Anthony.
+
+"All of them, sir?"
+
+"Yes, I may as well remove them to another place. Besides the balance
+must be small."
+
+The hermit counted the gold pieces, as they were placed in his hands.
+
+"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left!" he said.
+
+To Mark this seemed considerable, though it was evident the pot would
+have contained, if full, many times as much.
+
+"What shall I do with the pot?" asked Mark.
+
+"You can leave it where it is. Anyone is welcome to it, now that it is
+empty. Put the cover on, and some one will one day stumble upon
+treasure."
+
+Mark filled up the hole, and disposed leaves over it so as to conceal
+the work that had been done.
+
+"Very well done, Mark! The last time I did all the work myself, but that
+was before I had the rheumatism. It has stiffened my joints, and
+weakened me as I find. Now let us go back."
+
+Mark once more shouldered the spade, and the two walked back side by
+side.
+
+"I may as well explain how I came to deposit my money there," said old
+Anthony. "I was sensible that it would be dangerous to leave a large sum
+in my cabin, and it was not convenient or agreeable for me to make
+visits to the city from time to time to draw money from my agent. I was
+in the habit of going but once in a year or two, and then bringing with
+me enough to last me for a considerable period. I could, of course, have
+hidden my money under the flooring of my cabin, but that is the very
+place where burglars would have searched, had they done me the honor to
+look upon me as a miser, hiding concealed treasures. It was for this
+reason that I selected a hiding-place so far away from my dwelling.
+Fearing that I might forget the exact place, I chose a particular tree
+as a guide, and then measured a distance of sixteen feet due east. Of
+course there would be no danger of my mistaking the place then."
+
+"Somebody might have seen you digging there, sir."
+
+"True; I used to go early in the morning when no one was likely to be in
+the wood. Besides, I carefully looked about me before beginning to dig,
+to make all secure."
+
+"We didn't look about us this afternoon."
+
+"No, it was not necessary. There is no money left, and as for the
+earthen pot, any one is welcome to it, who will take the trouble to dig
+for it. I fancy it would hardly repay the labor."
+
+"There is still considerable gold; are you not afraid of being robbed?"
+
+"There is a chance of it. I shall therefore give you half of it to keep
+for me."
+
+"I am glad you have so much confidence in my honesty, Mr. Taylor. But I
+hope that no one will suspect that I have so much money, or I might be
+attacked."
+
+"Better give the greater part to your mother to lock up in a trunk or
+bureau drawer."
+
+"I think I will, sir. It seems odd to have you choose me as a banker,
+Mr. Taylor."
+
+"I don't think I shall have any cause to repent it, Mark."
+
+"Nor I, so far as honesty goes, but I might be robbed."
+
+"We will take our chance of that."
+
+                                -------
+
+Mark and his employer supposed themselves alone when they were engaged
+in disinterring the golden treasure, but they were mistaken. Two pairs
+of very curious eyes watched them from behind a clump of bushes. These
+eyes belonged to James Collins and Tom Wyman.
+
+They were in the wood with their guns, looking for squirrels, when they
+saw the approach of Mark and the hermit.
+
+"I wonder what they are going to do," said James. "Mark has got a
+spade."
+
+"I don't know. Suppose we hide, and then we'll find out."
+
+This proposal struck James favorably, and they concealed themselves
+behind a clump of low trees, as already described. With eager eyes they
+watched the preliminary measurement, and the subsequent excavation.
+
+"The old man's a miser," whispered James. "He's got gold hidden there."
+
+"Just what I think," responded Tom, also in a whisper.
+
+"I wonder if there's much."
+
+"Hush! We'll soon see."
+
+They were not near enough to hear what passed between Mark and Anthony,
+but they saw the gold coins which the boy passed to his employer. Then
+they saw the dirt replaced, and the spot made to look as before.
+
+When Mark and Anthony had gone, they emerged from their hiding-place,
+eager and excited.
+
+"Well," said James, drawing a long breath, "we've found the hermit's
+secret. He must be a miser. I wonder how much more gold there is in the
+hole."
+
+"Thousands of dollars, very likely," said Tom, who had a vivid
+imagination. "You know it doesn't take a very big pile of gold to make a
+thousand dollars."
+
+"Mark Manning is pretty thick with old Anthony. He trusts him more than
+I would."
+
+"Mark'll rob him someday. See if he don't."
+
+"I shouldn't wonder. I say, Tom, don't you tell a living soul of what
+we've seen this afternoon. If Mark steals the money, we can expose him.
+He little thinks we know his secret."
+
+Tom agreed to this, and the two boys went home. When they next saw Mark,
+they regarded him with a knowing look that puzzled him.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+                  LYMAN TAYLOR GAINS SOME INFORMATION.
+
+
+WHEN Lyman Taylor left his uncle and returned to the city, he felt that
+his visit had been a failure. His traveling expenses had amounted to
+about two dollars, and he only carried back five dollars with him. Added
+to this, his prospects of remunerative employment were by no means
+brilliant. To work, indeed, he was an enemy, and always had been.
+
+"Blessed if I know how I'm coming out," he said to himself, ruefully;
+"if Uncle Anthony had showed any enterprise, he ought to be well off,
+and able to lend me a helping hand. Instead of which he is settled down
+in a tumble-down shanty in the woods, and isn't doing any good to
+anybody."
+
+Lyman resented it as a wrong done to himself that his uncle was not in a
+condition to help him.
+
+If he were only living in the city now, he might quarter himself upon
+him. As matters stood, it was out of the question. It made him shudder
+to think of becoming a joint tenant of the lonely cabin, with nothing to
+look to but the homely fare, which no doubt contented his uncle.
+
+"I shall have to shift for myself," he reflected with a sigh; "I always
+was unlucky. Other fellows are born with a silver spoon in their mouths,
+and have rich fathers or uncles to provide for them, while I may go to
+the poorhouse for all the help I am likely to get from Uncle Anthony."
+
+Arrived in New York, however, his prospects rose a little. He met an old
+acquaintance on the Bowery, and turned into a billiard saloon, where he
+succeeded in a series of games in raising his small capital to ten
+dollars.
+
+This gave him a hint of a new way to make a living—a way, as he
+considered, infinitely preferable to a life of toil. Henceforth he
+frequented billiard saloons, and occasionally varied his pleasant labors
+by a game of cards. In spite, however, of his praiseworthy efforts to
+make an honest livelihood, there came a time when he was reduced to his
+last quarter of a dollar.
+
+He was sitting moodily in a cheap downtown hotel, when he was addressed
+by a bearded man dressed in rough miner's costume, a type of man more
+frequently met in California or Colorado, than in an Atlantic city.
+
+"Have a cigar, stranger?" asked the bearded man socially.
+
+"Thank you; I don't care if I do," said Lyman with alacrity.
+
+"I'm a stranger in York," said the other, "only arrived yesterday.
+You've got a right smart city here; beats 'Frisco higher'n a kite!"
+
+"Do you come from San Francisco?" asked Lyman with interest.
+
+"I'm from Californy—was up in the mines mostly."
+
+"Did you have much luck?"
+
+"Wal, I made two or three piles, an' lost 'em agin. However, I've got a
+little left. I've always wanted to see York, and thought I might as well
+come on and see it before I lost the last."
+
+"I'm glad to meet you," said Lyman, who was speculating as to whether he
+couldn't make a little something out of his new friend, before his
+"pile" was wholly reduced in size. "I'm an old Californian myself."
+
+"You don't say so? when was you there?"
+
+Lyman mentioned the time, and the country where he had courted fortune.
+
+"You don't say, stranger?" returned the miner. "Why, I was at that
+identical place myself. I bought a mine—leastways me and my partner
+did—of an old man, named Taylor."
+
+"Anthony Taylor?" asked Lyman, eagerly.
+
+"That was the old fellow's name. Did you know him, stranger?"
+
+"I should say I did. He is my uncle. Did you—pay much for the claim?"
+
+"We paid five thousand dollars cash down."
+
+Lyman Taylor whistled in amazement.
+
+"Was it worth it?" he added.
+
+"We took out ten thousand dollars, and I heerd that the old man took out
+as much before selling it to us."
+
+"What month did you buy it?" asked Lyman, breathless.
+
+"Let me see, it was in September. You seem to be interested, stranger?"
+
+"I should say I was. That claim was half mine, and my uncle never gave
+me a cent of the purchase money."
+
+"Where were you all the time?"
+
+"I left in disgust, for we'd worked a long time without making it pay."
+
+"You left too soon. The old man struck it rich some time early in
+August, and carried away ten thousand dollars, besides what we gave him.
+We didn't make so much of a spec, for too much had been taken out
+already. Where is your uncle now?"
+
+"Living in the country. I went up to see him two or three weeks since."
+
+"How's he fixed? Did he hang on to his pile?"
+
+"He's hanging on to it now," answered Lyman, with an oath. "He made out
+he was poor, and sent me off with a beggarly five-dollar note."
+
+"Perhaps he's lost his money."
+
+"More likely he's keeping it out of the way. He ought to give me half he
+made out of the claim."
+
+"I don't know about that, stranger. You gave up and left, and all he
+made afterwards, went of right to him."
+
+Lyman Taylor, however, did not regard the matter in that light.
+Discreetly losing sight of the circumstances under which he left his
+uncle, carrying off all the gold dust he had then accumulated, he
+persuaded himself that he had suffered a great wrong in not having
+shared in the subsequent rich development.
+
+"Just my luck!" he said to himself, moodily.
+
+"If I'd only waited a couple of months I'd have left California a rich
+man. How was I to guess how the claim was going to pan out. I didn't
+think Uncle Anthony would have treated me so meanly. I wonder how much
+he's got left?"
+
+This was an interesting subject of consideration, but unfortunately,
+Lyman had no data to go upon; or, rather, what data he had, were not
+calculated to favor the presumption that his uncle was a rich man.
+
+It did not look very likely that a rich man, or even one moderately
+well-to-do, would voluntarily make his home in a poor cabin, like that
+which old Anthony occupied.
+
+Lyman began to fear that his uncle had managed to lose by bad
+investments the money he had obtained from the claims, and was really as
+poor as appearances would seem to indicate.
+
+"Are you livin' in this hotel?" asked the miner.
+
+"I'm not living anywhere in particular," answered Lyman. "Fact is, I'm
+rather down on my luck. There are no 'piles' to be made in New York."
+
+"I've been there myself, stranger. Here, take this, and pay it back when
+it's convenient."
+
+Lyman eagerly accepted the twenty-dollar gold piece offered him by his
+liberal new acquaintance, and leading the way to the bar, they cemented
+their new-born friendship by a drink in true California style. He then
+proposed a game of cards, but the miner declined.
+
+"I never cared much for keerds," he said. "Excuse me! I don't mind
+playing a game of pool if you're agreeable."
+
+When the two parted, they were sworn friends. Lyman, however, found that
+his miner friend had all his wits about him, and that the twenty dollar
+loan was all he was likely to extract from him.
+
+"I must make another visit to that uncle of mine," said Lyman to
+himself, as he sauntered down the Bowery. "He ought to pay me half the
+money he got for that claim."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII.
+                         ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD.
+
+
+KEEN on the scent of anything likely to turn to his own advantage, Lyman
+Taylor arranged the very next day to make a second visit to Pocasset,
+and find out definitely, if possible, whether his uncle had saved any of
+the large sum which his claim had yielded him.
+
+He hardly knew what to think. Anthony was not the man to waste money on
+extravagant living, but then he might have made poor investments, and
+reduced himself to a pittance. Cases of that kind were common enough in
+California, as Lyman knew well enough.
+
+He preferred, however, to think that his uncle had turned miser, and was
+still the possessor of a handsome fortune. In that case, as the only
+near relative, it ought to come to him some day.
+
+"Let me see," he mused, "how old is Uncle Anthony! Fifty-nine!" he
+resumed, after a mental calculation. "That isn't very old, but he looks
+a good deal older. He is about played out—a physical wreck," he
+reflected, complacently, "and may not live a year.
+
+"In that damp cabin it could not be expected. Of course it's his own
+lookout. If he chooses to live there, I don't see that it's any of my
+business. I ought to come to a friendly understanding with him, and get
+him to recognize me as his heir. I dare say he's got his money hidden
+away in some out-of-the-way place. It would be a sorry joke if he should
+die, and it shouldn't be found."
+
+Lyman shuddered uneasily, as he thought of this contingency.
+
+"He ought to place his money in charge of some competent manager," he
+resumed. "I'd take care of it myself, and save him all business cares,
+if he'd let me."
+
+Lyman did not appreciate the absurdity of this plan. Few persons think
+themselves unfit to be trusted with money. What he thought of his own
+honesty can only be conjectured. Probably he did not regard himself with
+the eyes of those who knew him.
+
+Such thoughts were passing through the mind of the hermit's nephew, as
+he was traveling from New York to Pocasset. Arrived at the depot, he set
+out for the village at a brisk pace.
+
+Presently he espied in advance of him a couple of boys, whose figures
+looked familiar. It did not take him long to recall the two boys he had
+met in the pasture on his former visit. Of course they were James and
+Tom.
+
+"Just the ones I want to see," he said to himself. "I may get some news
+from them."
+
+He quickened his pace, and soon overtook them.
+
+"Good morning, young gentlemen!" he said, urbanely. "I believe we have
+met before."
+
+The boys turned around. They, too, recognized him.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered James. "You are old Anthony's nephew."
+
+"The same! I am glad you remember me. Have you seen or heard of my uncle
+lately?"
+
+"Yes; we saw him yesterday in the wood."
+
+"Has he recovered from his rheumatic attack?"
+
+"I guess so," said Tom. "He is looking pretty well now."
+
+"I came down to inquire his condition. I am his only relative, and
+though he is prejudiced against me, I can't help feeling anxious about
+his health. Can you tell me anything about him?"
+
+"He has that boy, Mark Manning, about him all the time."
+
+"What can be the boy's object in keeping company with a poor old man,
+who has no way of rewarding him?"
+
+"I am not so sure about that," said James.
+
+"About what?" asked Lyman, quickly.
+
+"About his being poor."
+
+"Have you any reason to think my uncle has money?" asked Lyman, eagerly,
+fixing a sharp glance of inquiry on the speaker.
+
+James looked at Tom, as if to consult him about the propriety of telling
+what he knew.
+
+"As I am his nephew and only relation, and—heir," continued Lyman, "you
+can freely tell me anything you have found out."
+
+"Would you?" asked James, turning to his companion.
+
+"I don't see why not," returned Tom.
+
+"Then," said James, who rather enjoyed the prospect of telling the
+story, "I'll tell you what I saw the other day—that is, Tom and I."
+
+"Yes, yes, what did you see?" interrupted Lyman, eagerly.
+
+"We were out in the woods about a quarter of a mile from the hermit's
+cabin, when we all at once heard voices. Slipping behind a tree we saw
+old Anthony and Mark coming along. Mark had a spade over his shoulder.
+We wondered what it all meant, and so kept hidden. Well, the two came up
+to a big tree, and then measured with a tape measure to a place about a
+rod distant. Then old Anthony took the spade and began to dig. But I
+guess he got tired, for pretty soon he gave the spade to Mark, and got
+him to dig."
+
+"Well?" ejaculated Lyman, who was listening with intense interest.
+
+"Pretty soon he struck something hard. It turned out to be an earthen
+pot with a cover."
+
+"Did they take it up?"
+
+"No; but Mark took off the cover, and then took out, oh, such a lot of
+gold pieces."
+
+"Just what I thought!" exclaimed Lyman, in excitement. "I was sure my
+uncle kept his money hidden in the ground somewhere. Do you know how
+much money he took out of the jar?"
+
+"There must have been hundreds of dollars—maybe a thousand."
+
+"And what then?"
+
+"The cover was put on again, and then Mark filled up the hole, and
+covered it with leaves, so that nobody would think the ground had been
+disturbed, then they went away."
+
+"That shows there must be more money there, don't you think so?"
+
+"Of course, or they wouldn't have taken so much trouble to cover it up
+again," answered James, readily.
+
+"You are right. I see you are sharp. What a fine detective you would
+make!"
+
+James looked pleased at this compliment, and it inclined him in favor of
+the appreciative stranger.
+
+"Do you think," asked Lyman, after a pause, "you could find the spot
+again?"
+
+"Yes, I guess so. Why?"
+
+"I should like to go there."
+
+"But," objected James, cautiously, "what would you do if you found it?"
+
+"I would dig down and find the jar."
+
+"But you would have no right to do that; the money belongs to old
+Anthony."
+
+"Who is my uncle. But you are mistaken. I don't want to take it. I want
+to see if the gold is still there."
+
+"Why shouldn't it be?"
+
+"Because," answered Lyman, with a lucky thought, "the boy knows where it
+is. What is to prevent his going there by himself and carrying off all
+there is. My uncle would have no proof that it was he."
+
+"I never thought of that," said James, quickly. "It would be just like
+Mark."
+
+"Do you think he is honest?"
+
+"I wouldn't answer for him. He is a poor boy."
+
+"Exactly, and the gold would be a great temptation. As the legal heir of
+Uncle Anthony, I think I ought to look into the matter. Suppose my uncle
+should die, wouldn't this Mark get the money, even if he hasn't done it
+already, and no one would be the wiser?"
+
+"Of course!" James readily assented. "What do you want us to do?"
+
+"Lead me to the place, and let me see for myself if the money is still
+there."
+
+"Shall we, Tom?"
+
+"I think it would be only fair."
+
+"Then come along. I'll get a spade from the house as we pass."
+
+The spade was obtained, and the three set out for the wood.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII.
+                        LYMAN'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+JAMES was not without his share of curiosity, and he was strongly
+desirous of seeing with his own eyes the pot of gold, and so learning
+how rich the hermit was.
+
+Prejudiced as he was against Mark, he did not really believe the boy
+would appropriate money that did not belong to him, though it would have
+been a satisfaction to him to find that his enemy was in a scrape.
+
+"That boy, Mark, seems to be an artful young rascal," Lyman Taylor
+remarked, as they were walking along together.
+
+"He is all of that," said James, emphatically.
+
+"My uncle is old, and his mind is weak. He is very likely to be
+influenced by a sharp, unprincipled boy."
+
+"It's lucky you came down here to watch him."
+
+"That depends on whether I am able to put a spoke in his wheel."
+
+"Do you know whether your uncle has much money?"
+
+"I don't know, positively, but I have heard he was very successful in
+California."
+
+"If he is rich, I shouldn't think he would live in such a tumble-down
+cabin," said Tom.
+
+"Perhaps he has become a miser. His burying money looks like it."
+
+They entered the wood, and as the boys knew their way all over it, they
+were able to go straight to the tree.
+
+"It was from this tree that old Anthony measured," said James.
+
+"Can you tell in what direction?" inquired Lyman, anxiously.
+
+"This way, I am sure."
+
+"Do you know how far?"
+
+"Not exactly, but we can tell by seeing where the ground has been
+disturbed."
+
+Lyman Taylor took the spade and began to dig vigorously. Such hard work
+was not generally to his taste, but now he was spurred by a powerful
+motive.
+
+He would not have been sorry, now that he had obtained the information
+he required, if the boys had left him to work alone. But this they had
+no intention of doing. They were very curious to see the treasure
+unearthed, and ascertain how much there was.
+
+At length, the spade struck the earthen pot.
+
+"I've touched it!" exclaimed Lyman, triumphantly.
+
+He worked with redoubled energy, and soon laid bare the buried vessel.
+
+The boys drew near, eagerly, and looked into the hole.
+
+Lyman threw himself down upon his knees, and removed the cover of the
+jar. No sooner had he done so, when he uttered a fierce cry of
+disappointment.
+
+"Boys," he said, looking up with haggard face, "there's nothing there!"
+
+"No gold in the jar?" asked James, with a blank look.
+
+"Not a particle. Are you sure there was any left?"
+
+"We couldn't see, but it stands to reason that it would not have been so
+carefully covered up unless there had been some left."
+
+"You are right there. Now, what has become of it?"
+
+"Can Mark have taken it?" said James, turning to Tom.
+
+"I don't know," answered Tom, doubtfully.
+
+"That's just what happened. I'd like to wring the young rascal's neck,"
+said Lyman, fiercely.
+
+"What are you going to do about it?" asked James, curiously.
+
+"I say, boys, it's pretty hard luck," complained Lyman, "to see yourself
+robbed by an artful young scoundrel. He's just taken in Uncle Anthony by
+his artful ways, and is laying a trap for his money."
+
+"I see now," said James, quickly. "That's what he meant by not caring
+about losing his place in my father's shop."
+
+"I'll go and warn my uncle against him," said Lyman. "Boys, will you
+show me the shortest way to the cabin?"
+
+"Certainly, with pleasure."
+
+Pleased with the idea of getting Mark into a scrape, James guided the
+disappointed nephew to the hermit's dwelling.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+                      THE HERMIT RECEIVES A CALL.
+
+
+OLD Anthony was sitting in his doorway, thoughtfully smoking a pipe,
+when, chancing to lift his eyes, his gaze fell upon the figure of his
+nephew advancing towards the cabin. It was a surprise, and not a
+pleasant one. He could not divine Lyman's object in making this second
+visit.
+
+"How are you getting along, Uncle Anthony?" inquired Lyman, in a
+conciliatory tone.
+
+"Have you come all the way from New York to ask me that question?" said
+the hermit, dryly.
+
+"Well, not altogether. Still, I wanted to know whether you were better."
+
+"I have got over my rheumatic attack," said Anthony, shortly.
+
+"I'm very glad. At your age it must be uncomfortable to be
+sick—especially in such a place. Can't I persuade you to come to New
+York, and take comfortable lodgings?"
+
+"Why should you desire it? Perhaps you would propose to live with me?"
+
+"And if I did, being your only relative, it would be natural enough.
+With your means——"
+
+"What do you know of my means?" demanded the hermit, sharply.
+
+"I have reason to think you are better off than your position would
+indicate," announced Lyman, watching the effect of the assertion on his
+uncle.
+
+"What reason?" inquired Anthony.
+
+"Well, I know you were very successful in California—after I left you.
+You struck it rich, made a great deal of money, and then sold the claim
+for a good round sum."
+
+Anthony's countenance did not change, though the communication was by no
+means a welcome one.
+
+"How much of this money do you think I have now?" he asked, at length.
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"And I don't propose to tell you."
+
+"I know you have some of it!"
+
+"Very possibly. I cannot live for nothing."
+
+"And I know where you keep it," added Lyman, provoked by his uncle's
+manner.
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"But I can't commend your prudence in putting your money where it is so
+likely to be found—and taken."
+
+"Be a little more explicit. Let me know just what you mean."
+
+"Burying money in the ground is not very wise."
+
+Old Anthony was taken by surprise, and showed it.
+
+"So you know this? Where did you obtain the information?" he asked.
+
+"From some one who saw you and the boy, Mark, digging for it."
+
+"Well," said the old man, quietly, "I know of no better place. People
+are honest round here, and it will not be taken."
+
+"I agree with you there, Uncle Anthony. It won't be taken for a very
+good reason. There is none there. The jar is empty."
+
+"How do you know this, Lyman?" demanded the hermit, with a searching
+look.
+
+Lyman hesitated, but it seemed necessary to tell the truth.
+
+"Because, when I learned that you had been so imprudent as to let the
+boy into your secret, I concluded at once that he would take advantage
+of his knowledge, and rob you. I therefore uncovered the place, and
+found it as I suspected. The jar is empty."
+
+Old Anthony betrayed no excitement on hearing this.
+
+"It is quite true," he said, quietly. "All the gold has been taken."
+
+"You knew this?"
+
+"Certainly. I took the last gold piece myself. Having no occasion for
+the jar, I left it there. You are certainly very kind to take so much
+interest in the safety of my property, but it is needless. I am still
+able to take care of what money I have left."
+
+Lyman's face fell. He began to suspect that this was only too true.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX.
+                          HOW LYMAN SUCCEEDED.
+
+
+"I AM afraid you misjudge me, Uncle Anthony," said Lyman, after a pause,
+during which he reflected that his best course was, if possible, to make
+a favorable impression upon the relative who might be in possession of
+considerable property. "I am afraid that you are prejudiced against me."
+
+"You must admit that I have reason," said his uncle, dryly.
+
+"It is true," replied Lyman, with an engaging frankness; "I did not
+treat you well in California."
+
+"I should say not. You disappeared, carrying away two thousand dollars,
+leaving me penniless."
+
+"Of course I was wrong. Still you had the claim, out of which you made a
+good deal more within a short time."
+
+"When you left me," said the hermit, quietly, "it looked as if it were
+worthless. That it proved otherwise, was my good fortune."
+
+"I won't argue the matter, Uncle Anthony. I was young and heedless."
+
+"Wicked would be a better word."
+
+"And I have had bad luck; I am almost penniless now. If you would be
+willing to help me——"
+
+"To what extent do you want help?" asked Anthony, abruptly.
+
+"If you could lend me fifty dollars, it would set me on my feet."
+
+"And in a week or two you would be coming back for more."
+
+"Upon my honor——"
+
+"How much honor have you?" asked his uncle, contemptuously. "Would you
+like to go West?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I will give you the means of getting there."
+
+Lyman was under the impression that his uncle proposed to hand him a sum
+of money, out of which he decided to buy a western ticket if it suited
+his convenience; Uncle Anthony would be none the wiser.
+
+"Yes, uncle, if you will give me a hundred dollars, I will go to
+Chicago, and seek there a chance to make an honest livelihood."
+
+"Very well."
+
+Old Anthony took out a memorandum book, tore a leaf from it, and wrote a
+few lines, which he handed to his nephew.
+
+"What is this?" asked Lyman, suspiciously.
+
+"It is an order on a friend of mine in New York for a Chicago railroad
+ticket."
+
+"And the money?"
+
+"He will give you an order on a firm in Chicago for the balance of the
+money, which will be paid you there."
+
+Lyman's countenance fell. It was clear that the trick which he intended
+to play on his uncle would be impossible.
+
+"It seems to me," he said, "it would be better to give me the money at
+once."
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"I hope you have no suspicions of my good faith."
+
+"I won't express my opinion on that subject. I will only say that the
+arrangement I have suggested suits me best."
+
+"Well," said Lyman, slowly, "I will try to win your good opinion. I am
+afraid I have not money enough to get back to the city."
+
+He had over ten dollars in his pocket at that moment, but it struck him
+that he had a good excuse for securing a little more.
+
+The hermit smiled contemptuously.
+
+"Then suppose I had had no money to give you—how would you have got back
+to the city? Perhaps you meant to stay with me?"
+
+"I will, Uncle Anthony, if you desire it."
+
+"Thank you. I won't trouble you."
+
+"I should have had to walk back. But, uncle, I can't leave you without a
+word of warning."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"That boy, Mark, I am sure is scheming to rob you."
+
+"What do you know of Mark?"
+
+"I know the reputation he bears in the town. I know he has been
+discharged from the shoe-shop."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"Two boys whom I met. One is the son of Mark's employer."
+
+"I know the boys you mean. They dislike Mark, but I prefer him to them."
+
+A noise was heard at the door, and Mark entered.
+
+He looked in surprise at the visitor, whom he instantly recognized.
+
+"You see, Mark," said the hermit, "my nephew has kindly called to see me
+again. He felt anxious about my health."
+
+"I feel relieved to find you so much better, uncle," said Lyman, by no
+means abashed at the hermit's ironical words.
+
+"It is the more creditable to him, this solicitude, because he had only
+money enough to pay his fare one way. Mark, you may give him five
+dollars."
+
+"Very well, sir,"
+
+Mark drew a five-dollar gold piece from his pocket, and handed it to
+Lyman.
+
+"Does Mark carry all your money, uncle?" asked Lyman.
+
+"Not quite all."
+
+"I hope he won't take a fancy to travel at your expense."
+
+Mark's face flushed indignantly, but he left old Anthony to answer for
+him.
+
+"I have perfect confidence in Mark," he said.
+
+"Thank you, sir," Mark responded, gratefully.
+
+"Have you anything for me to do this morning?" the boy asked.
+
+"No; I will give you a list of articles which you may bring me from the
+village to-morrow."
+
+"Then I will return, as I have some work to do at home."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"I will go along with you, Mark," said Lyman, suddenly.
+
+"If you wish," answered Mark, but he would rather have gone alone.
+
+"Good-by, Uncle Anthony. It may be a good while before I see you again.
+If you need me at any time, write or telegraph."
+
+"I will bear it in mind," said the old man, dryly.
+
+Mark and the dutiful nephew left the cabin together.
+
+"You've got a soft place, youngster," Lyman began.
+
+"I have an easy place, and a kind employer," said Mark.
+
+"So you carry the old man's money, hey?"
+
+"Some of it," answered Mark, eying his companion, suspiciously.
+
+"Don't looked scared, boy. I'm not going to rob you. I only want to ask
+you a few questions. How much money did you and he take from that buried
+jar the other day?"
+
+"Who told you about it?" asked Mark, in surprise.
+
+"O, I know more about the old man's affairs than you suppose," chuckled
+Lyman.
+
+"I can't tell you."
+
+"Won't, you mean," returned Lyman, scowling.
+
+"I have no right to do so."
+
+"Look here, boy, do you know that I am my uncle's heir?"
+
+"He never told me so."
+
+"Then I tell you so."
+
+"I hear you, sir."
+
+"I'll tell you something else. I believe you are trying to worm yourself
+into my uncle's confidence, so as to rob him—and me."
+
+"Your thinking so doesn't make it so," said Mark, angrily.
+
+"I warn you that you had better think twice before you play such a
+dangerous game. You have a bad reputation in the village."
+
+"Who told you so?" demanded Mark, indignantly.
+
+"Two of your companions."
+
+"James Collins and Tom Wyman probably!" said Mark, contemptuously.
+
+"I know you were discharged from your place in the shoe-shop."
+
+"But for no good reason."
+
+"That's what you say. How much money of my uncle's have you in your
+pocket?"
+
+"That I don't choose to tell," said Mark, firmly.
+
+Lyman felt a strong inclination to take the money by force, but prudence
+restrained him. In that case, the order which he carried would not be
+honored, and he would probably lose more than he would gain.
+
+Mark was apprehensive of an attack, and it was with joy that he caught
+sight a little way in advance of James and Tom, whom under other
+circumstances he would not have cared to meet.
+
+"You will now have company," he said, "and I will hurry along."
+
+Lyman did not oppose his purpose, and joined the two boys.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+                        ALL ABOARD FOR NEW YORK.
+
+
+THE next day Mark found a letter in the post-office directed to Anthony
+Taylor. According to custom it appeared in a written list containing the
+letters of those who had no boxes.
+
+Mark called for it.
+
+"Who is Anthony Taylor?" asked Tom Wyman, who happened to be attending
+the office for his father.
+
+"Old Anthony," as the boys call him.
+
+"I wonder if there's money in it!" said Tom, holding up the letter, and
+trying to peep inside.
+
+"That's none of our business," answered Mark.
+
+"Oh, you're mighty virtuous!" sneered Tom. "If there is any money, I'll
+bet you'll get a share of it."
+
+"I get no money except my wages."
+
+"How much does he pay you?"
+
+"I would rather not tell," returned Mark, with a smile. "You might try
+to get my place away."
+
+"As if I would work for an old tramp like the hermit!" exclaimed Tom,
+disdainfully. "I suppose he pays you about a dollar a week."
+
+"That's better than doing nothing, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, it's better for you. I don't want your place. I shall go to the
+city when my school days are over."
+
+"I wish you good luck, Tom, whenever you do," said Mark, good-naturedly.
+"I must hurry along with my letter."
+
+"A letter for you, Mr. Taylor," announced Mark, as he entered the cabin.
+
+"From John Hardy," said the hermit, as he scanned the address.
+
+He opened the letter and read as follows:
+
+    "MY DEAR OLD FRIEND: Your will is drafted and ready for signature.
+    You had better come up to the city, and sign it. I know your
+    reluctance to leave your forest home, but it will occur to you at
+    once that your signature must be witnessed, and though witnesses
+    might be found in Pocasset, it would involve a degree of publicity
+    which I presume you would wish to avoid. Here I can easily get it
+    witnessed by my clerks.
+
+    "I suggest that you bring the boy, Mark, with you, as he may be of
+    service to you. Moreover, I think it is high time that we spoke to
+    him of the mission on which you propose to send him.
+
+    "Your worthy nephew, Lyman, called upon me to-day with your letter.
+    He wished me to furnish him with the money needed for his ticket,
+    but I thought it better to send a clerk to purchase the ticket, and
+    see him fairly off. He has just returned, and reports that Lyman is
+    on the way to Chicago. I think you showed considerable shrewdness in
+    securing his removal from this neighborhood. He may return, to be
+    sure, but the chances are that he will spend all the money, and find
+    himself stranded in Chicago. If this compels him to work for a
+    living, no harm will result.
+
+                                                   "Your friend as ever.
+                                                   "JOHN HARDY."
+
+Old Anthony laid down the letter thoughtfully. He was reluctant to go to
+New York, but saw that it was necessary. His reluctance was diminished
+by the prospect of having Mark's company.
+
+"Mark," he said, "can you go to New York with me to-morrow?"
+
+Mark stared at his employer in amazement. The proposal was very
+unexpected.
+
+"I am obliged to go up on business," explained the hermit. "I wish I
+could delegate it to you, but I must attend to it myself. It is so long
+since I have been in a crowd, that I believe I shall need some one to
+take care of me."
+
+"I shall be very happy to accompany you, sir," said Mark, with alacrity.
+
+"At what time does the morning train leave the station?"
+
+"Nine o'clock, sir."
+
+"Then meet me there at fifteen minutes before the hour."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+"When shall we return?" asked Mark, after a pause.
+
+"When does the afternoon train leave the city?"
+
+"At three o'clock."
+
+"We will return then."
+
+"I only wanted to tell my mother when to expect me."
+
+It must be admitted that old Anthony looked like an antediluvian figure
+in his old-fashioned coat, with a short waist and long tails, as he
+stood on the platform the next morning waiting for the train. Two or
+three of the village boys laughed rudely, but the hermit was buried in
+thought, and took no notice of them. Mark, himself, thought his employer
+looked queer, but he saw nothing to laugh at.
+
+"Are you going to town with old Anthony?" asked one of the boys.
+
+"Yes," answered Mark.
+
+"People will take him for your grandfather."
+
+"I don't mind."
+
+"He looks like a rusty old tramp. His coat looks as if it was made in
+the year one."
+
+"He has a right to consult his own taste. He has been kind to me, and I
+don't care to listen to any rude remarks."
+
+"You may buy two tickets, Mark," said the hermit.
+
+Mark did so.
+
+Just as he was leaving the ticket-window, his former employer, Mr.
+Collins, the shoe manufacturer, took his place.
+
+"Are you going to the city?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Who goes with you?"
+
+"Mr. Taylor."
+
+"Mr. Taylor?"
+
+"The—the hermit."
+
+"Oh!" returned the manufacturer, arching his brows, "are you working for
+him?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You might have been working for me, if you had behaved yourself."
+
+"I am satisfied with the change," answered Mark.
+
+"That boy is impertinent," soliloquized the village magnate. "He can't
+get much pay from a pauper. However, it serves him right. Of course, it
+is only pride that makes him profess to be satisfied."
+
+Mark would have been surprised, had he known that Mr. Collins was going
+up to the city to call upon the person with whom the hermit had
+business. Such was the fact, however. Mr. Collins had applied to Mr.
+Hardy for a sum of four thousand dollars, mortgaging therefor, his large
+shoe manufactory, which had originally cost double this sum.
+
+As Mr. Hardy told old Anthony, he had ventured into Wall Street, and the
+losses he had incurred there, had forced him to raise money in this way.
+
+To-day had been fixed by Mr. Hardy for the execution of the papers, and
+the transfer of the sum required. Twelve o'clock was the hour appointed
+by Mr. Hardy, for his business with the manufacturer.
+
+"What on earth can carry that old scarecrow up to New York?" thought Mr.
+Collins, as he eyed curiously old Anthony, who, with Mark, was seated a
+few steps in front of him, in the same car. "I suppose he has a pension
+from some source, and is going to collect it."
+
+It may be remarked that James Collins had never communicated to his
+father the discovery made in the forest, connected with the pot of gold.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXII.
+                       IN AN OFFICE ON BROADWAY.
+
+
+MR. HARDY'S office was in a large, high building, on Broadway. It was
+the fifth floor, but there was an elevator constantly running, which
+made it nearly as easy of access as if it had been on the first.
+
+Mark had never before ridden in an elevator, and he enjoyed the novelty
+of it. From a directory, near the entrance, they ascertained that Mr.
+Hardy occupied office No. 55, and this was easily found.
+
+"Welcome to New York," said the agent, advancing cordially, to greet his
+visitors. "Good morning, Mark. So you have piloted my old friend
+safely."
+
+"I think he has piloted me, sir. I know very little of the city."
+
+"I have not been here for five years," said Anthony, reflectively. "I am
+unused to the noise, and it confuses me."
+
+"I like it," said Mark.
+
+"You are young, and enjoy new and busy scenes," said Mr. Hardy. "Would
+you like to travel?"
+
+"Very much, sir."
+
+"Perhaps you may some time."
+
+"I am afraid it will be a long time before I am able."
+
+"Possibly not."
+
+Mark, however, did not detect any special significance in these words.
+
+"You may sit down here, and read a morning paper, Mark," said the agent,
+"while I transact a little business with Mr. Taylor."
+
+The two entered an inner office, where Mr. Hardy produced an
+official-looking document, to which he called the attention of the
+hermit.
+
+"Read it over," he said, "and see if it meets your views."
+
+"Precisely," answered Anthony, after he had taken the time necessary to
+read it.
+
+"Then it may as well be signed at once."
+
+Mr. Hardy summoned three clerks from the outer office, and in their
+presence as witnesses the will was signed.
+
+"I suppose I may as well leave the document with you, John," said
+Anthony.
+
+"It will be as well. Now, about the other matter. It seems to me you may
+as well send Mark at once in search of some clue to the possible
+existence of a grandchild. Before doing so, however, may I suggest
+something?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"I don't like the idea of your living in that lonely cabin. Why can't
+you seek a home in the house of your young secretary? Has he a good
+mother?"
+
+"She is a very worthy woman."
+
+"Has she a room for you?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"What do you think of my proposal?"
+
+"I have been thinking of such a change myself. For the first time in
+five years I am beginning to find my cabin home monotonous."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. You will be much better off in a home where you
+can be taken care of."
+
+"I will attend to the matter without delay on my return."
+
+"So far, so good. Now, let me call in Mark, and speak to him of our
+plan."
+
+Mark, at the summons, entered the back office.
+
+"Mark," said Mr. Hardy, "we want you to take a journey."
+
+"I shall be very glad to do so, sir."
+
+"It will be a long one."
+
+"The longer the better," answered Mark, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"Your first stopping place will be Chicago."
+
+The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement.
+
+"I should like nothing better," he said.
+
+"The commission will be to trace out Mr. Taylor's daughter, and find out
+whether she left a child. Necessary instructions will be given in
+writing."
+
+"Do you think I am old enough?" asked Mark, excited but doubtful whether
+he was competent for the duty assigned him.
+
+"Discretion is more needful than age," answered Mr. Hardy. "Perhaps an
+older messenger would be better, but as my friend wishes to avoid
+publicity, he is disposed to try you. Would your mother be willing to
+have you go?"
+
+"I think so, sir, but I hate to leave her alone."
+
+"Mr. Taylor proposes to board with her while you are absent, if you
+think she would be willing to receive him."
+
+"I know she would be glad to secure such a boarder," answered Mark,
+quickly; "with that help she would be able to get along very well."
+
+"Then that matter is probably settled. Now a few words to guide you in
+your quest."
+
+These words need not be repeated here, as in following Mark's journey it
+will be understood what they were.
+
+Their business concluded, Mark and the hermit left the office and
+descended to the ground floor.
+
+They were just leaving the building when Squire Collins entered.
+
+He arched his brows in surprise. "You here?" he said, addressing Mark.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"On what errand?"
+
+Mark was privately of opinion that he had as much right to ask the
+manufacturer's business as the latter his, but he answered: "Mr. Taylor
+had business here."
+
+Squire Collins smiled contemptuously. It did not strike him that the
+hermit's business was likely to be of any great moment. So people often
+deceive themselves and assume a superiority to which they have little
+claim.
+
+"Probably old Anthony has just been paid his pension," he thought, as he
+left them, and made his way to the elevator.
+
+He, too, ascended to the fifth floor, and leaving it there went to John
+Hardy's office.
+
+"Good morning, Mr. Collins," said Hardy. He knew nothing of the
+manufacturer's home title. "I shall be at leisure in five minutes."
+
+The five minutes passed.
+
+"Now I am at your service," he said.
+
+"Have you decided to let me have the money, Mr. Hardy?" asked the
+manufacturer, trying to conceal his anxiety.
+
+"Taking as security a mortgage on your manufactory?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I think I can let you have it."
+
+Squire Collins looked much relieved.
+
+"You will find the security ample," he said. "The building is worth
+double the sum I am borrowing."
+
+"Is it well insured?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"The policies of insurance must be placed in my hands."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"I have to take all precautions, as the money is not mine, but belongs
+to a boy for whom I am trustee."
+
+"I see."
+
+Squire Collins had no curiosity as to the name of the boy referred to.
+He would have been very much amazed had he been told that it was the
+very boy whom he had discharged from his employment only a short time
+previous. For that matter, Mark would have been quite as much surprised.
+
+In the course of half an hour the proper papers had been made out, a
+check for four thousand dollars handed to Squire Collins, and the shoe
+manufacturer left the office in as good spirits as Mark had done half an
+hour before.
+
+"By-the-way," remarked the Squire at his supper table that evening, "I
+met two persons from Pocasset in the city to-day."
+
+"Who were they?" asked James.
+
+"Old Anthony and Mark Manning."
+
+"What could have taken them to the city?"
+
+"I presume Anthony receives a small pension from some source, and went
+up to collect it."
+
+"I think it very likely," said James, thinking of what he had seen in
+the forest. "I presume it isn't much."
+
+"Probably not."
+
+"I shouldn't think he'd have gone to the expense of taking Mark."
+
+"The old man looked dazed. I presume he doesn't feel safe in going
+alone."
+
+"Very likely Mark asked to go. He's fastened himself on the old man, and
+means to get all he can out of him."
+
+It is wonderful how prejudice colors our opinion of others.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIII.
+                            MARK'S MISSION.
+
+
+THREE days later, two things puzzled the good people of Pocasset. One
+was the removal of old Anthony from his lonely cabin to the small but
+comfortable cottage of Mrs. Manning. It was voted by the village people
+a very sensible move, but they were at a loss to understand how the
+recluse had been persuaded to change his mode of life. It was generally
+supposed that he was quite poor, but the two or three dollars a week he
+would be able to pay the widow would be a help. A room on the second
+floor was appropriated to old Anthony, where he spent much of his time.
+Every day, however, he wandered off to the woods, which had been his
+residence for several years. Though he said little, he was soon
+convinced that he had bettered himself by his removal. Mrs. Manning
+provided plain, well-cooked meals, which were far more attractive than
+the extemporized lunches with which he had thus far been content.
+
+There was another circumstance, however, that equally puzzled the good
+people of the village. This was the disappearance of Mark. He was no
+longer seen walking about the streets, and many were the inquiries made
+of his mother as to where he had gone. At the request of old Anthony she
+answered very indefinitely. She could not tell just where Mark was, but
+he was employed. He would probably be home in a few weeks.
+
+Among those whose curiosity was most keen were James Collins and Tom
+Wyman.
+
+"Where do you think Mark has gone?" said James one day, throwing away a
+half-smoked cigarette.
+
+"I don't know any more than the man in the moon," answered Tom. "I asked
+his mother the other day when I met her in the street, but I couldn't
+get any satisfaction out of her."
+
+"Perhaps he has gone to the city in search of a place."
+
+"I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"He can't get anything to do here. Father won't take him back into the
+shop."
+
+"He was at work for old Anthony."
+
+"That couldn't amount to much. The hermit is as poor as Job's turkey."
+
+"Do you know this? How about the gold we saw?"
+
+"It was all he had," said James, who was in the habit of jumping at
+conclusions. "My father says he gets a small pension from some person in
+the city. Some rich relative, I suppose, is taking care of him. Do you
+know, Tom, I should be glad to come across Mark blacking boots, or
+selling papers in the city?"
+
+"Why?"
+
+"He is so mighty independent—poor and proud—that I believe he actually
+thinks himself as good as you or I."
+
+"He is pretty pert, that's a fact."
+
+"If he were only humble, and showed that he knew his place, I'd get
+father to take him back into the shop. It's his own fault that he got
+discharged."
+
+"It's a good thing for his mother having a boarder, as Mark isn't able
+to help her."
+
+"Pooh! what does that amount to? He probably pays two or three dollars a
+week. However, I suppose that's a good deal to her."
+
+Mark would have been amused, but not surprised, if he could have heard
+this conversation between his two old companions. At present, however,
+he had other things to occupy his attention.
+
+He had already reached Chicago and was staying there a day or two before
+going farther.
+
+His ultimate destination was Claremont, in Indiana, the place where the
+daughter of the hermit was understood to have died. It was about
+seventy-five miles from Chicago, and could be reached in three hours.
+Mark felt that he could do no better in his brief stay in Chicago than
+walk about, and make himself familiar with the principal streets and
+avenues, and gain some knowledge of the western metropolis.
+
+He kept his eyes wide open, and noticed all that came in his way.
+Everywhere throngs of busy wayfarers, and not one of whom he had ever
+seen before. It seemed strange to him, for in Pocasset he knew
+everybody.
+
+"The world is larger than I thought," he reflected, "and there are more
+people in it. I wish I could see one familiar face."
+
+He had hardly formulated the wish when his glance rested on a form that
+seemed strangely familiar. It was a man, tall, slender, with a slouching
+gait.
+
+"That must be Lyman Taylor," he decided, with a natural start of
+astonishment.
+
+It was indeed the man whom he had last seen in the woods at Pocasset. He
+had not thought to meet him, though he remembered now to have heard that
+Lyman had been sent to the West by his uncle.
+
+On the whole, Mark was not as much pleased as he expected to see this
+familiar face. He did not care to be recognized, as Lyman might have his
+curiosity excited, and make him trouble.
+
+Suddenly Lyman turned, and his glance fell upon Mark. The boy lowered
+his head, and walked on without notice. Lyman did not recognize him,
+though he was vaguely conscious of something familiar in Mark's
+appearance. But before he left New York, Mark had been provided with a
+new check traveling suit, and a hat of a different style from the one he
+was accustomed to wear.
+
+Moreover, Lyman had no thought of meeting the country boy in a western
+city. So he turned his glance in a different direction, and descended
+the steps that led to a basement pool and billiard room.
+
+"I would follow him down there, if I dared risk discovery," thought
+Mark. "However, it is none of my business what he does, as long as he
+doesn't annoy his uncle."
+
+Lyman Taylor would have been glad to see Mark, or any one else
+representing his uncle. The sum he had brought away with him had nearly
+all melted away, and his prospects were by no means brilliant. The
+thought of engaging in any employment by which he might earn an honest
+and independent livelihood was by no means attractive to him.
+
+In the afternoon of the second day Mark started by train for Claremont,
+and arrived at the Claremont Hotel in time for supper.
+
+He found Claremont to be a fair sized town, containing perhaps four
+thousand inhabitants. It seemed to be growing rapidly, like most western
+towns favorably situated. After a comfortable supper he bethought
+himself of whom he could make inquiries as to the object of his journey.
+
+As he sat in the office, a tall man, with long hair, and a look of
+speculation in his eyes accosted him.
+
+"Have you just arrived in town, young man?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Mark.
+
+"Are you calculatin' to settle here?"
+
+"No, sir; I am only here on a little business."
+
+"Drummer, I reckon!"
+
+"No, sir; I do not represent any business house."
+
+"You do look rather young for a drummer, but you said you were travelin'
+on business."
+
+"My business is of a different nature, sir."
+
+"Just so! if I can help you, I will. I am Colonel Enoch Tarbox,
+well-known hereabouts."
+
+"Thank you for your offer. If you will allow me, I will ask you one or
+two questions."
+
+"Go ahead, young man; I'm ready to give you any information in my
+power."
+
+"I am in search of a family named Ransom, who lived here some years
+ago."
+
+"John Ransom?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You won't find him; he's dead."
+
+"So I have heard. Did you know him or his wife?"
+
+"I've drank with John Ransom many a time at this very bar. He was rather
+fond of a social glass."
+
+"Did you know his wife?"
+
+"I've seen her often. She's dead too. They both died of a fever."
+
+"I suppose they had no children," said Mark, putting the question
+anxiously.
+
+"Let me see," said the colonel slowly, evidently searching his memory;
+"yes, I believe there was a child, a little boy."
+
+"Is he alive?" asked Mark eagerly.
+
+"There you've got me, stranger. Children ain't much in my line. I never
+heerd of Ransom's child dying. I reckon it left town though."
+
+"Where could I get any information about it, do you think?"
+
+Colonel Tarbox reflected.
+
+"I reckon you'd better go to Mrs. Finn; she was intimate with Mrs.
+Ransom. She lives in the little white cottage alongside of the
+Presbyterian church."
+
+"Thank you, Colonel Tarbox; I am much indebted to you for what you have
+told me."
+
+"Don't mention it. Won't you take a drink?"
+
+This kind offer Mark declined rather to the colonel's dissatisfaction.
+He decided to call upon Mrs. Finn the next day.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIV.
+                         WHAT MARK DISCOVERED.
+
+
+AS the clock on the Presbyterian church struck nine, Mark stood knocking
+at the door of the little cottage hard by.
+
+The door was opened by a comely woman of middle age, who, not
+recognizing Mark, looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"What can I do for you?" she asked.
+
+"My name is Mark Manning," said Mark, introducing himself. "I have been
+directed to you as likely to give me some information about Mrs. Ransom,
+who—"
+
+"Yes, yes," interrupted Mrs. Finn, not waiting for Mark to finish his
+sentence. "Poor dear! I know all about her. Come in, do!"
+
+She led the way into the neat sitting-room, where she invited Mark to be
+seated. Then she changed parts with Mark and began to ask questions.
+
+"Are you related to Mrs. Ransom?" she asked.
+
+"No," answered Mark, "but I come from one who is."
+
+"Alas, it is too late! The poor woman is dead."
+
+"I know that, but did she leave a child?"
+
+"Yes, a little boy. She sat great store by little Jack."
+
+"And what has become of him?" asked Mark, eagerly.
+
+"That is more than I can tell. A tall gentleman—I don't rightly know his
+name—appeared at the funeral, said he was a relation, and took off
+little Jack to St. Louis, I think."
+
+"A tall gentleman—a relation!" repeated Mark, surprised. "What was his
+appearance?"
+
+Mark was destined to be surprised, for Mrs. Finn's description tallied
+exactly with the appearance of Lyman Taylor. This was a surprising
+discovery. Mark was sharp enough to guess that Lyman's object was to
+remove from his path any rival claimant to his uncle's property,
+supposing him to possess any.
+
+"I think I know who you mean," he said, after a pause.
+
+"Was it really a relation of Mrs. Ransom?"
+
+"If it was the one I suppose, it was her cousin."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. Then poor Jack was taken care of."
+
+"I am not sure about that," said Mark, gravely. "Though a relative, he
+is a selfish, bad man, and I am afraid he meant the poor boy no good."
+
+"Good gracious!" exclaimed Mrs. Finn, startled, "you don't think he
+would murder the innocent child?"
+
+"No, I don't think that, but I think he wanted to put him where his
+grandfather would never find him."
+
+"Is it his grandfather you come from, then?"
+
+"Yes; he does not even know of his grandchild's existence, but if I find
+him, the boy will never need any other protector. Can you tell me
+anything of Mrs. Ransom—of her husband?"
+
+"Poor Mrs. Ransom was a sweet woman, who deserved a better fate. As for
+her husband, he was a drunkard, and a loafer. Those are hard words, but
+he deserved them both. They hadn't much money, but what there was he
+spent for liquor at the hotel yonder. More than once his poor wife and
+little child wouldn't have had any breakfast if I hadn't taken some
+over."
+
+And warm-hearted Mrs. Finn wiped away a tear.
+
+"Did her husband treat her very badly? Did he beat her?"
+
+"I am afraid he did when he was very far gone, but, poor thing! she
+never complained. She always looked sad, though, and she didn't enjoy
+her life very much."
+
+"Did she ever speak of her father?"
+
+"Once only. She told me she had ill-treated, him, and been a disobedient
+daughter. I think it was in marrying Ransom."
+
+"Did she ever write to him?"
+
+"She told me she did once, but never received an answer. 'He won't
+forgive me,' she said, with a sigh, and never wrote again."
+
+"I am sure he did not receive the letter, Mrs. Finn. If he had, he would
+have noticed it."
+
+"I hope so; at any rate she was sadder than ever when no letter came to
+her in return. Finally, her husband took sick with a fever. Bad as he
+had been to her, she nursed him like a devoted wife as she was. But she
+couldn't save him. Hardly was he dead, when she, too, caught sick, and
+in the end she died. While she was sick I took little Jack home, for
+fear he would catch the fever too. I was thinking of adopting him after
+his mother's death, when the man I spoke of called and took away the
+boy, saying he would provide for him."
+
+"And that was—how many years ago?"
+
+"Nearly six, I think."
+
+"And I suppose you have neither seen nor heard of him since?"
+
+Mrs. Finn shook her head.
+
+"Where does little Jack's grandfather live?" she asked.
+
+"Near New York."
+
+"Is he a rich man?"
+
+"Moderately rich. He is well able to take care of his grandson, if he
+could find him."
+
+"I wish I could tell you more, I am sure," said Mrs. Finn heartily. "If
+the poor boy yet lives, Heaven knows what his condition may be. If you
+could find the man that took him away——"
+
+"I can," answered Mark.
+
+"Then why don't you go to him, and ask him where to find the child?"
+
+"Because it is against his interests to have him found. He and the
+little boy are the only heirs to the grandfather's property. His uncle
+has good reason to dislike him, and if the boy is found, Lyman Taylor
+will get nothing, I feel sure."
+
+"Well, well! What wickedness there is in the world!" ejaculated Mrs.
+Finn. "What will you do?"
+
+"I don't know. I shall have to consider."
+
+"Did the grandfather send you out here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Excuse my remarking that you are very young to undertake such a
+responsible task."
+
+"I think so myself, Mrs. Finn," Mark answered, modestly. "But it so
+happened that he hadn't much choice. I shall do my best, and if I can't
+find him, I shall go home and report, and advise Mr. Taylor to send an
+older and more competent person."
+
+"You won't be offended by what I said?"
+
+"Certainly not. Any one would think as you do. Is there any other
+information you can give me, Mrs. Finn?"
+
+Mrs. Finn shook her head.
+
+"I am afraid not," she said.
+
+"You are sure the boy was carried to St. Louis?"
+
+"Quite certain."
+
+"I might go to St. Louis, but without any clue I am afraid I should
+stand little chance of succeeding."
+
+"You might advertise."
+
+"That is true," said Mark. "Indeed, it appears to be the only thing I
+can do. How old would the boy be now?"
+
+"About eight years old, I think."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Mark took out a small memorandum book, and noted down the small amount
+of information he had obtained.
+
+It did not appear to be much, and yet it was of great importance. He had
+ascertained that Mrs. Ransom had left a child, and moreover that Lyman
+Taylor had been aware of the fact, and had conspired to keep its
+existence from old Anthony.
+
+"Does he know where it is now?" Mark asked himself.
+
+Mark was inclined to think not. Shortly after the boy was carried away,
+Lyman had gone East, got into trouble, and served a term of some years
+in a prison.
+
+During those years, probably the boy had drifted out of his knowledge.
+Doubtless he could furnish a clue, but for obvious reasons, it would not
+do to apply to him.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your information," said Mark, as he
+rose to go.
+
+"You are heartily welcome, sir. Would you mind writing me, if you find
+out anything about poor Jack?"
+
+"I will certainly do so, Mrs. Finn. I shall lose no time in going to St.
+Louis."
+
+"Heaven speed you, and bring you success," said Mrs. Finn, fervently.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXV.
+                         THE LITTLE MATCH BOY.
+
+
+"MATCHES! Matches! Here's your nice matches!" was heard in a shrill
+treble, proceeding from a little boy on Clark Street, in Chicago.
+
+He looked thin and pale, and it was easy to see the poor little fellow
+was poorly fed, as well as ill-clad.
+
+"Only five cents a package!" the little fellow continued to cry; and he
+looked wistfully in the faces of those who passed him, hoping for a
+possible purchaser.
+
+"Clear out of my way there, you brat!" said a rough voice. "Do you want
+to take up the whole sidewalk?"
+
+The boy shrank timidly, as the man who had addressed him swaggered by.
+He would not have dared to resent the rudeness, but another did. It was
+a stout, and healthy-looking woman, with a large basket on her arm,
+whose heart warmed towards the poor little match boy, sent out so early
+to earn his livelihood.
+
+"You ought to be ashamed to speak to the poor boy that way!" she said,
+warmly.
+
+"Mind your business, woman!" retorted Lyman Taylor, for it was he whose
+rough speech had been quoted.
+
+"I always do," said the woman. "It's my business to speak my mind to
+such brutes as you!"
+
+Lyman vented his wrath in a volley of oaths, for his language was by no
+means choice, when his anger was excited. He might have been more
+prudent, if he had known that a policeman was just behind.
+
+"Stop that, my man, unless you want me to take you in!" said the burly
+officer.
+
+Lyman Taylor turned sharply round, but quailed when he saw the officer.
+
+"This woman has insulted me," he said, sullenly.
+
+"I just spoke to him for abusin' that poor match boy," said the good
+woman.
+
+"I heard it all," said the officer. "Move on, my man, and behave
+yourself, if you don't want to get into trouble."
+
+Such a scene was sure to attract a small crowd. One kind-hearted man
+drew out a dime from his pocket and handed it to the match boy.
+
+"Here, my lad," he said; "take this, and I hope it'll do you good."
+
+"Here are two boxes of matches for you, sir."
+
+"No, keep them. I give you the money."
+
+"Here's another dime," said a young man, of literary aspect. He was a
+reporter on one of the Chicago daily papers, who, in spite of the cases
+of poverty and privation that came under his notice every day, still
+preserved a warm and sympathetic heart.
+
+Then a lady followed his example, and in the end, the match boy had
+received a sum much larger than the value of his small stock-in-trade.
+
+Lyman Taylor's rudeness had proved to him a piece of good luck, in
+opening the hearts of those who would otherwise have passed him by
+without notice.
+
+Smiling with pleasure at the child's good fortune, the good woman who
+had resented Lyman's rudeness so warmly, went on her way. If all had
+hearts as warm, there would be little misery or suffering in the world.
+It is often those who have little, that are most ready to help others
+poorer than themselves. I must not omit to add, that among the
+contributors to the little match boy's fund was the policeman, who
+placed a nickel in his hands, with the admonition to "brace up and be a
+good boy!" This was true charity, for out of his salary the officer had
+to support a large family of his own, and therefore had very few nickels
+to spare. He was bluff of aspect, but kind of heart.
+
+"It's a shame to send out such a child on the streets," he said to
+himself. "Think of my Rob having to lead such a life!"
+
+The policeman looked sober, for, should anything happen to him, as in
+his exposed life might very well happen, he knew not what would be the
+fate of his little ones. They might be as badly off as the poor match
+boy.
+
+The little match boy's thin face showed signs of satisfaction as he
+looked at the collection of small coins which had been given him by the
+pitying crowd. He turned into an alleyway and counted it. It amounted to
+seventy-six cents. This was a phenomenal sum for the small merchant. And
+the best of it was, he had his stock of merchandise left.
+
+A thought entered the little boy's mind, prompted by his craving for
+food.
+
+"Would it be wrong for me to take a little of this money and buy me some
+dinner?" he said to himself. "I am _so_ hungry. Aunt Peggy only gave me
+a slice of bread for breakfast, and it's most two o'clock now."
+
+Only a slice of bread, and he had been walking about for hours, trying
+to sell matches. The fruit of all his labor was the sale of two boxes at
+five cents each. But he had seventy-six cents besides, and they were
+his. They had not been given to Aunt Peggy, but to him. So, at least, he
+reasoned. Not that he meant to keep it all himself. He intended to give
+the greater part to the woman who was the only guardian he knew, but he
+thought he had a right to use fifteen cents for himself. It wasn't much,
+but he knew a place—a cheap place—where for this sum he could get a cup
+of coffee and a plate of beefsteak. At the thought of this delicious
+repast the match boy's mouth watered. When had he eaten meat? Three days
+ago Peggy had given him a bone to pick. There was not much on it, but
+when he had got through with it there was none at all.
+
+Johnny could not resist the temptation. He suspended sales, and made his
+way to a cheap restaurant on a side street. With eager steps he entered,
+and sat down at a wooden table from which nearly all the paint had been
+worn off, and scanned the bill of fare.
+
+It seemed to him that there was nothing better than the dish he had
+already mentally selected.
+
+A greasy looking waiter approached, and said sharply, "What'll you have,
+kid?"
+
+"Cup o' coffee an' plate of beefsteak!" answered Johnny.
+
+"Sure yer got money enough to pay for it?"
+
+"I wouldn't have asked for it if I hadn't," said Johnny, emboldened by
+his unusual wealth.
+
+"All right, then! Sometimes chaps come in and order their dinner, and
+skip off before it comes time to pay."
+
+The greasy looking waiter went to the back of the room, and soon
+returned with the banquet Johnny ordered.
+
+He set it down with a jerk.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVI.
+                           LUCK FAVORS LYMAN.
+
+
+NO patron of Delmonico's probably ever contemplated his sumptuous meal
+with more satisfaction than shone in the little match boy's eyes, as he
+gazed with watering mouth at the overdone, tough-looking steak, the
+mashed potato, the three slices of stale bread and dab of butter, which
+furnished the solid material of his meal. A cup of muddy coffee
+completed the bill of fare. After all, appetite is the best sauce, and
+Johnny had appetite enough to make his meal seem palatable.
+
+Johnny did not stand upon ceremony, but "pitched in." It is not an
+elegant expression, but it describes accurately the energy with which
+the boy disposed of his dinner. Ten minutes sufficed for its entire
+disappearance. There was not even a crumb left.
+
+"That was bully!" said Johnny to himself, with a sigh of supreme
+satisfaction "I wish I could have such a lay out every day."
+
+But he evidently thought this was unattainable happiness. He did not
+even think of reserving from his little fund, enough to provide a
+similar feast on the following day—partly because he was an honest
+little fellow, and partly because he stood in fear of the burly woman
+whom he called Aunt Peggy.
+
+"I wouldn't have Aunt Peggy know I've been here for something," he
+thought.
+
+There seemed little chance of it, but, as ill luck would have it, as he
+was emerging from the restaurant, a boy he knew passed with a
+blacking-box on his shoulder.
+
+"What have you been doin' in there?" asked Tim Roach. "Been havin' yer
+dinner?"
+
+"I just got a little to eat," answered Johnny, ill at ease.
+
+"Got any more money?"
+
+"A little."
+
+"Then just treat a feller, won't yer? I'll do as much for you
+to-morrer."
+
+"I can't, Tim, the money isn't mine."
+
+"You won't, you mean."
+
+"I would if the money belonged to me."
+
+"Does Peggy know yer went in there?" asked Tim, slyly.
+
+"Don't tell her, Tim! I was _so_ hungry."
+
+"Then treat!"
+
+"I can't, Tim!"
+
+"All right!" replied Tim, nodding. "I'll let Peggy know how you spend
+her money."
+
+Poor Johnny! These last words alarmed him terribly.
+
+Lyman Taylor's stock of money was getting low. He was not a good
+financial manager. But even if he had been, he would not have been able
+long to live without work. When his stock of ready money was reduced to
+five dollars, he began to consider anxiously where he could obtain a
+further supply. It is not strange that his thoughts should have reverted
+to his uncle.
+
+"I wonder if Uncle Anthony is well fixed or not. He got considerable
+money in California, but may have lost it. The old man is close-mouthed,
+and I can't worm the secret out of him. If I had any hold on him——"
+continued Lyman, thoughtfully.
+
+He sauntered along till he came to a pool-room, connected with a cheap
+hotel, of the kind he was in the habit of frequenting. No one chanced to
+be playing, and by way of filling up the time he took up a St. Louis
+paper, and ran his eye listlessly over it.
+
+But at one place in the advertising columns, his listlessness suddenly
+vanished, and his face assumed a look of eager interest. This was the
+advertisement that attracted his attention:
+
+    "INFORMATION WANTED.—Any one who can give information concerning a
+    child named Jack Ransom, who was brought to St. Louis a little more
+    than five years since, is desired to communicate with Mark Manning,
+    at the Planters' Hotel. The boy, if living, is now seven or eight
+    years of age."
+
+"Well, I'll be——hanged!" ejaculated Lyman Taylor. "How, in the name of
+all that's mysterious, has my uncle got hold of a clue to little Jack's
+existence?
+
+"So he's sent that country cub—Mark Manning—out to investigate. He must
+be crazy to trust a green boy, who has always lived in the country.
+
+"But what beats me, is how he learned so much. I did take the boy to St.
+Louis, and placed him with an old woman, who very likely has starved or
+beaten him to death by this time. But suppose she hasn't," continued
+Lyman, after a pause.
+
+"Suppose the child is still living. If I could only find out, then I
+would have the hold on my uncle that I require. I would kidnap the boy,
+and not part with him under a good round sum."
+
+Lyman's face brightened, but only for an instant. It was a capital
+scheme, but how was he to get hold of the boy? How did he know if he
+were living?
+
+He would have been amazed if he had known that he had seen the boy that
+very day, selling matches in the streets.
+
+There was one thing, however, that seemed clear to Lyman. His uncle must
+still have a comfortable property, or he would not be able to send a
+messenger to St. Louis in search of his lost grandson.
+
+"The old man may have twenty thousand dollars, for aught I know,"
+reflected Lyman; "and doesn't spend the income of half that as he lives
+now. No doubt that country boy has an inkling of it, and is planning to
+get hold of it. That boy is foxy, and knows what he is about, I'll be
+bound."
+
+This estimate did not exactly agree with the one Lyman had recently
+expressed of Mark, but he did not think it necessary to be consistent.
+
+"Twenty thousand dollars!" he repeated, and his nephew almost starving
+here in Chicago. Oh, it was a cunning scheme to buy me off for a paltry
+sum, and give a free field to that boy. That's a pretty way for a man to
+treat his only living relation.
+
+"But who could have put it into his head that his grandson was alive? I
+presume the little beggar has kicked the bucket before this. If I only
+could get hold of him, I would make the old man pay handsomely for his
+return."
+
+The chances, however, did not seem very flattering, and Lyman had no
+money to expend in searching for the boy, apart from the doubt whether
+he was still living. Gradually a new idea came to him. He might pick up
+some boy who would answer the purpose, whom he could palm off on his
+uncle as his grandson. True, it would be raising up a rival heir; but he
+was thoroughly persuaded that in no case did he himself stand any chance
+of succeeding to his uncle's property.
+
+"It will be worth something," he muttered, "to cut out that country boy.
+All I have to do, is to find a boy who is without relatives, and I can
+concoct some story that will impose upon Uncle Anthony. That little
+match boy, for instance! Why wouldn't he do?"
+
+Lyman became so excited by his castle building, that he determined to
+lose no time in carrying out his design. He left the tavern, and
+retraced his steps to the place where he had encountered the match boy.
+Johnny, after eating his dinner, had resumed his business, and was
+within a block of the same place offering his wares to the passers by.
+
+He was a little worried by Tim's threat to expose his extravagant dinner
+to the old woman with whom he lived, but persistently refused to buy off
+his persecutor.
+
+"I say, little boy, what's your name?"
+
+Johnny turned round at these words, and recognized in the man addressing
+him, the one with whom he had already had trouble. His face showed the
+fear which he not unnaturally felt.
+
+"Don't be frightened, my boy!" said Lyman, with an ingratiating smile.
+"I am afraid I was rough to you this morning. Don't mind it! I was
+worried about my business affairs, and didn't mean what I said. Shake
+hands, and let us be friends."
+
+With rather a bewildered look, Johnny allowed Lyman to take his small,
+thin hand, and looked perplexed.
+
+"Come, you don't harbor no malice, my lad, do you?" said Lyman with a
+smile.
+
+"No—o," answered Johnny, doubtfully.
+
+"The fact is, I feel an interest in you, my boy. You look like a little
+cousin of mine that I haven't seen since he was a baby."
+
+Johnny was more and more puzzled. The neglected little match boy was not
+used to such attention.
+
+"Did you ever live in St. Louis?" asked Lyman, at a venture.
+
+"Yes," answered the match boy.
+
+Lyman opened his eyes in surprise. He had not expected such an answer.
+Even then he did not suspect that Chance had led him to the very boy
+whom he desired to meet.
+
+"Have you any father or mother?" he asked.
+
+"No sir."
+
+"Good!"
+
+Johnny could not understand why his questioner should be pleased to hear
+that he was an orphan. Lyman Taylor seemed to him a very
+incomprehensible man. He felt rather uncomfortable in his presence, and
+hoped the man would go away, and leave him to attend to his business.
+
+"Who do you live with, then, sonny?" was Lyman's next question.
+
+"With my aunt."
+
+"What is your aunt's name?"
+
+"I always call her Aunt Peggy."
+
+"WHAT?" exclaimed Lyman, in a tone that made the little match boy jump.
+"You live with an old woman named Peggy?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is she your aunt?"
+
+"I suppose so. I always call her Aunt Peggy."
+
+"It's the very boy!" was Lyman's exulting thought. "I'm in luck at last.
+Lyman, old man, your plans are going to be realized."
+
+"Were you ever called Jack?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"Yes; that's what Aunt Peggy calls me. Other people call me Johnny."
+
+"My boy," said Lyman, fervently, "I can't tell you how glad I am to see
+you. I am sure now you are my little cousin. Where does Peggy live?"
+
+The match boy named the place—a poor street in a poor neighborhood.
+
+"Take me there at once. I want to see your Aunt Peggy."
+
+"But Peggy will be mad if I don't stay and sell matches, sir."
+
+"Come along; I will make it right with her."
+
+Lyman took the little boy's hand, and the two turned off Clark Street,
+and went in pursuit of Peggy.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVII.
+                               OLD PEGGY.
+
+
+TIM ROACH was not only selfish, but liked to make mischief. He resolved
+to be revenged upon Johnny for declining to "treat" him to a dinner, and
+having plenty of time on his hands, took pains to seek out the humble
+home tenanted by old Peggy.
+
+It was on the third floor of a tall, shabby brick house, not far from
+the Chicago and Alton depot. Tim had been there before, and didn't
+require directions. He ascended the rickety staircase, nearly treading
+on two dirty faced children belonging to a neighbor of Peggy's, who were
+playing on the landing. As a third child, older, made her appearance,
+Tim stopped long enough to inquire, "Is Peggy at home?"
+
+"Yes," answered the girl. "She's home, but, oh my, ain't she tight!"
+
+"That's nothin' new," said Tim, composedly.
+
+He knocked at Peggy's door, and receiving no answer, opened it.
+
+The old woman had thrown herself on a truckle bed at one corner of the
+room, and was breathing noisily with her eyes half closed.
+
+"Is it you, Johnny!" she asked, without turning her head.
+
+"No, it's me!"
+
+"Who's me?"
+
+"Tim Roach."
+
+"What do you want?"
+
+"I've just seed Johnny, Peggy."
+
+"Has he sold many matches? Where is he?"
+
+"I seed him in an eatin' house. He was eatin' a bully dinner."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Peggy, now thoroughly roused, raising herself on her
+elbow. "What's that you say, Tim Roach?"
+
+Tim, quite enjoying the commotion he had raised, repeated his
+information.
+
+"So he's spendin' my money in fillin' his stomach, the little wretch!"
+exclaimed Peggy. "That's why he brings home so little money. The
+ungrateful little imp that I've slaved and slaved for these last six
+years, takin' advantage of a poor old woman when her back's turned!
+Where was it, Tim, dear?"
+
+Tim mentioned the restaurant.
+
+"And what was he eatin', Tim?"
+
+"He ordered a cup o' coffee and beefsteak—I don't know what else he
+had."
+
+"I'll learn him to chate and decave me!" said the old woman, angrily.
+"He only brought home twenty-five cents yesterday, and I takin' care of
+him, and buyin' him close and vittles."
+
+"I guess he buys some dinner every day," said Tim.
+
+"And I never to suspect it! Tim, dear, you're a good boy to come and
+tell me. You wouldn't treat your best friend that way?"
+
+"No, I wouldn't!" said Tim, virtuously. "What are you goin' to do to
+him, Peggy?"
+
+"Where's my stick, Tim? Do you see it anywhere?"
+
+"No, I don't," answered Tim, after a search.
+
+"Some of them children downstairs must have carried it off."
+
+"I can buy you a cane for ten cents."
+
+"And where would the ten cents come from I would like to know. I'll bate
+him wid my fists, the ongrateful young kid."
+
+"What are you goin' to give me for tellin' you, Peggy?" asked Tim.
+
+"I'll give you a penny the next time I see you," said Peggy, vaguely.
+
+"That isn't enough. Give me a nickel to buy a glass of beer?"
+
+"I haven't got it, Tim. I wish I had, for I'm awful dhry myself."
+
+"I wouldn't have come all the way to tell you if I'd know'd that," said
+Tim, discontentedly.
+
+Just then a noise was heard on the stairs, and Tim, opening the door
+wider, looked out.
+
+"Here's Johnny now, Peggy!" he said in excitement.
+
+"Come home the middle of the afternoon, too, the young rascal!"
+ejaculated the old woman. "I'll fix him!"
+
+"So here you are, you young——," commenced Peggy, as Johnny made his
+appearance, but the threat with which she was about to conclude, died in
+the utterance, when she saw that Johnny was closely followed by a tall
+man of middle age.
+
+"Who are you, sir?" she asked irritably, "and what brings you here? If
+you're the agent, I haven't got any money for you."
+
+"Don't you remember me, Peggy?" asked Lyman, sinking with rare courage
+into a chair which cracked under his weight.
+
+"No, sir, I don't. If I had my glasses, perhaps——"
+
+"I see you've got company, Peggy," continued Lyman, with a significant
+look at Tim. "I would like to speak to you alone. It'll be to your
+advantage, mind," he added, detecting a suspicious look on the old
+woman's face. "Just send the two boys out to play, and we'll speak
+together."
+
+"First, hand over what money you've got, Jack," said Peggy. "I ain't
+goin' to have you wastin' it outside. Let me see your matches! How many
+boxes did you sell?"
+
+"Five," answered Johnny.
+
+"Only five!" exclaimed the old woman, holding up her hands. "You were
+playin' in the strates, I'll be bound!"
+
+"No, I wasn't, Aunt Peggy. I tried to sell more, but——"
+
+"Oh, yes, I understand! And you'd done so well you thought you'd buy
+yourself a dinner off my money. Come here and let me shake you!"
+
+"Tim told you!" said the little boy, with a reproachful look at his
+betrayer.
+
+"Yes, he told me, and he was a good bye for doin' it."
+
+"He said he'd tell if I didn't buy him some, too."
+
+"Is that threu?" asked Peggy.
+
+"Hark to him!" said Tim, with virtuous indignation. "It's a lie, and he
+knows it."
+
+"Did you spend all the money, Jack?" demanded Peggy. "If you did——"
+
+"But I didn't, Aunt Peggy. Some good people gave me some money, and——"
+
+"It was for me, then. How dared you spind it?"
+
+"I've brought most of it home, Peggy. See here!" and Johnny took out a
+handful of small silver coins and pennies, and poured them into the old
+woman's lap.
+
+Peggy was agreeably surprised. She saw that there was nearly a dollar,
+much more than Johnny generally brought home, and it put her in a good
+humor.
+
+"You've done well, Jack!" she said. "I won't grudge the money you spent
+for a bit of dinner. Now go out and play wid Tim."
+
+"I don't want to play with him. He told on me."
+
+"My lad," said Lyman, "can't you bring a bottle of beer for your good
+aunt and myself. Here's money; you can bring back the change."
+
+"You go, Jack, for the gentleman," said Peggy, quite restored to good
+humor. "I don't mind sayin' that my throat is just parched with bein' so
+dhry."
+
+Johnny went out, and soon returned, for he had not far to go. In spite
+of his company being so unwelcome, Tim went and returned with him.
+
+"Won't you give me a little, Peggy," he asked.
+
+"No, I won't. You wanted Jack to trate you on my money. Now clear out,
+and never let me see your ugly face here ag'in."
+
+"That's the thanks I get for tellin' you!" complained Tim. "And after
+runnin' myself out of breath, too!"
+
+"Clear out wid you! And you, Jack, go back and see if you can't sell
+some more matches. It's only the middle of the afternoon, and there's
+plenty of time before sunset to sell half-a-dozen boxes."
+
+Johnny obeyed, not unwillingly, for he was not partial to home, nor did
+he enjoy Peggy's company. Tim accompanied him, but Johnny, gentle as he
+was, refused to have anything to say to him. Tim felt that he was badly
+treated. Johnny turned his back on him, and Peggy had utterly failed to
+acknowledge the service he had rendered her. Tim was of opinion that it
+was a cold world, and that there was little encouragement to be
+virtuous.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XXVIII.
+                             LYMAN'S PLAN.
+
+
+"HERE'S your health, Peggy!" said Lyman, emptying his glass.
+
+"Thank you, sir!" said Peggy, following his example. "You're very kind,
+I'm sure, and I ought to remember you, but my memory ain't what it was."
+
+"So you don't remember me?"
+
+"I can't remimber that I iver set eyes on your face before, sir."
+
+"Then you don't remember the man that brought you a small child to take
+care of near six years ago?"
+
+"Shure it's himself!" ejaculated the old woman, peering curiously into
+Lyman's face. "I only saw you twice, and that's why I forgot. Shure it
+was a cruel thrick you played upon a poor old woman, when you gave her a
+baby to take care of, and then, five long years never sent her even a
+penny. It's hundreds and hundreds of dollars I've spent on little Jack,
+and he no kin to me!"
+
+"No doubt he has been brought up in the lap of luxury! He looks like
+it," said Lyman with an amused smile.
+
+"And now you've come to pay me all I spent on the child?" insinuated
+Peggy.
+
+"Well, not just yet. The fact is, Peggy, unavoidable circumstances
+prevented my communicating with you, and the same won't admit of my
+paying over the hundreds of dollars that Jack has cost you."
+
+"Then what do you want of me?" inquired the old woman disappointed.
+
+"I think I can see a way by which both of us can make something out of
+the boy. By-the-way, it strikes me just at present that he is supporting
+you instead of you taking care of him."
+
+"He only brings in a few pennies a day," said Peggy. "Shure it's hardly
+enough to pay his salt."
+
+"Then Jack must be immoderately fond of salt. However, I'll let you into
+a secret. His grandfather is looking for him."
+
+"His grandfather?"
+
+"Yes; no doubt you are surprised that Jack possesses a grandfather, but
+that is a fact. His grandfather is my uncle, and what is more to the
+purpose he has a fair property."
+
+"And little Jack is goin' to be rich?" gasped Peggy in amazement.
+
+"Well, I don't know! That depends on whether we allow his grandfather to
+find him."
+
+"And why shouldn't he? Wouldn't he be givin' a big reward?"
+
+"That is where you come to the point, my good Peggy. If he will make it
+worth our while, we may restore him to the old gentleman."
+
+"And how much would he be givin', d'ye think?" asked Peggy, her
+bead-like eyes sparkling with greed.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder, Peggy, if you might get a hundred dollars out of
+it."
+
+"A hundred dollars—after my takin' care of the boy ever since he was a
+babby. Now you're jokin'."
+
+"Well, you see, his grandfather isn't a rich man—" explained Lyman,
+fearing he had unduly raised the expectations of the old woman.
+
+"You said he was!" retorted Peggy sharply.
+
+"I said he had a comfortable property—for a country town. That means a
+few thousand dollars."
+
+"He sha'n't have him for such a thrifle," snapped Peggy.
+
+"The police might take him from you, without your getting a cent."
+
+"How would they know, unless you told 'em?" asked Peggy suspiciously.
+
+"Look here, Peggy!" said Lyman in a conciliatory tone. "We've got to
+stand by each other in this thing. Just leave the matter in my hands,
+and I'll manage it as well as I can. I'll get as much money from the old
+gentleman as I can."
+
+"And you'll give me half?"
+
+"Of course—that is, after necessary expenses are paid."
+
+"And what am I to do then?"
+
+"Nothing, except to stay here, and see that nobody gets hold of Jack.
+Does he know who he is?"
+
+"He thinks I'm his aunt."
+
+"And is proud of the connection, no doubt," said Lyman, who could not
+restrain his tendency to sarcasm. "Well, perhaps that is as well. Don't
+let any one know that it is not true. We can keep quiet till the time
+comes to make it known. Now, I'll leave you, and take the first step by
+writing to my uncle. Good afternoon, Peggy! I'll call again in a day or
+two."
+
+"Couldn't you leave me a dollar or two before you go?" whined Peggy. "Me
+health is very poor, and I can't work, and it's only a few pennies the
+boy brings in."
+
+"You're better off than I am," said Lyman curtly, "for I am out of
+employment and I have no boy to bring me in pennies. I don't know but
+I'd better take Jack at once, and then you won't have to take care of
+him."
+
+"I'll kape him," said the old woman hurriedly—for she had no wish to
+lose the income the match boy brought in, small as it was. "I'll kape
+him, for he's used to me life, and he's happier here."
+
+"Just as you like, Peggy!" returned Lyman with a smile at the success of
+his stratagem. "I'd help you if I could, but I'm almost at the bottom of
+my purse as it is. I'll see you again in a day or two, and report
+progress."
+
+"I've done a good day's work," reflected Lyman, as he picked his way
+downstairs, nearly slipping on a piece of orange peel on one of the
+steps. "It was a piece of good luck, my finding Jack so soon after
+seeing that St. Louis paper—but I must write an effective letter to my
+uncle."
+
+Lyman went to the Sherman House, and entering the writing-room procured
+a sheet of note paper, and penned the following note:
+
+                                           "CHICAGO, _September 7, 18—_.
+
+    "MY DEAR UNCLE:
+
+    "I am afraid you are feeling anxious about me, and I will therefore
+    relieve your affectionate solicitude, by saying that I am well in
+    health, but low—very low in pocket. It costs more to live in Chicago
+    than in Pocasset, and the sum of money with which you provided me is
+    nearly gone. As I am a little afraid this hint won't be sufficient
+    to open your heart, let me add that I can make it worth your while
+    to be generous.
+
+    "It has come to my knowledge that you have sent out Mark Manning in
+    search of your grandson. How you came to suspect that my cousin left
+    a boy I can't imagine, but I don't mind telling you that you are
+    correct. She did leave a boy, whose name is Jack Ransom. He is now
+    about eight years of age. I know where he is and can lay my hands
+    upon him at any moment. Whether I will or not depends on how you
+    propose to deal with me. Of course it isn't to my interest that the
+    boy should be found, as outside of him I am your natural and legal
+    heir. I know that Mark Manning is scheming to get possession of your
+    property when you are gone, but I am sure you wouldn't throw it away
+    on a stranger, when your brother's son is living.
+
+    "Now, Uncle Anthony, I am going to make you a proposition. Bear in
+    mind, if you please, that I am the only one who can restore little
+    Jack to you. Only one other person knows about him and she never
+    heard of you, and doesn't know Jack's last name. If you will
+    guarantee me five thousand dollars within three months, two thousand
+    being cash down, I will myself bring on little Jack, and place him
+    in your arms. Now, I am sorry to say that the boy has a miserable
+    home, and is scantily supplied with the necessaries of life. A
+    miserable career of poverty and perhaps crime, awaits him unless you
+    come to my terms. Let me know as soon as possible what you propose
+    to do.
+
+    "A letter directed to me at the Chicago post-office will reach me
+    safely.
+
+                           "Your affectionate nephew,
+                           "LYMAN TAYLOR."
+
+Anthony received this letter in due time, and deemed it of sufficient
+importance to warrant a visit to New York. He wished to lay it before
+Mr. Hardy, and ask his advice.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIX.
+                       MARK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM.
+
+
+"MY good friend," said Mr. Hardy, "have you any reason to think your
+nephew's statement is to be relied upon?"
+
+"I hope so," answered Anthony. "I am getting to be an old man, and I
+should like to feel that some one of my own blood would survive me, and
+profit by a part of the competence which God has bestowed upon me."
+
+"It may be simply a money-making scheme on the part of Lyman," said the
+agent, thoughtfully. "Finding that he has little chance of becoming your
+heir, he wants to secure a handsome reward for restoring to you your
+grandson. Why has he not proposed it before?"
+
+"Because he did not know I had any property to leave, or else because he
+supposed his own chances of inheriting good. After the last interview
+with me, he probably lost the hope of profiting by my death."
+
+"There is something in what you say, Mr. Taylor. What is your own idea?"
+
+"I would give five thousand dollars, if necessary, to secure the return
+of my grandson. It would give me an object to live for."
+
+"I should be exceedingly sorry to see that sum pass into the hands of
+such a rascal as your graceless nephew."
+
+"Would you offer two thousand?"
+
+"I would hold no serious negotiations with him."
+
+"But I would run the risk of leaving the poor boy to a life of poverty,
+and myself to a lonely old age."
+
+"My idea is this. I will telegraph to Mark Manning, who is now in St.
+Louis, the particulars of your nephew's offer, with instructions to go
+at once to Chicago, find out Lyman, and put a detective on his track. If
+his story is true, he probably visits the boy from time to time. In this
+way it can be discovered where the boy lives, and steps can be taken to
+secure him."
+
+"I approve of your plan," said Anthony. "Let it be carried out at once."
+
+"There will be this advantage," added Hardy. "Your enterprising nephew
+will not realize any benefit from his nice little scheme for trading
+upon your affections."
+
+"Do as you think best, my good friend. Your judgment is always better
+than mine."
+
+John Hardy rapidly penned the following despatch.
+
+    "MARK MANNING, Planter's Hotel, St. Louis: Go at once to Chicago and
+    find Lyman Taylor. He knows where child is. Employ a detective, and
+    track him to boy's residence. Don't let him suspect your object.
+    Keep me apprised of your progress.
+
+        JOHN HARDY."
+
+This despatch reached Mark within two hours. He had been in St. Louis
+several days, and had learned nothing. Two or three persons had called
+upon him with bogus information in the hope of a reward, but he was
+sharp enough to detect the imposition. He was beginning to despair of
+success when Mr. Hardy's telegram was received. Mark brightened up. He
+saw his way clearer now.
+
+He went out to purchase a ticket for Chicago, and on his return found a
+second telegram in these words:
+
+    "Lyman admits knowledge of boy, and offers to restore him for five
+    thousand dollars."
+
+"I will endeavor to thwart Mr. Lyman Taylor," said Mark to himself. "He
+is a greater rascal than I thought."
+
+Mark paid his bill and took the next train for Chicago. He arrived late,
+and registered at the Fremont House, where he prepared himself for the
+difficult work that lay before him by taking a good night's rest. In the
+morning he awoke hopeful and determined, and after breakfast went out to
+walk. He had no clue to the where-abouts of Lyman, but thought it
+possible he might meet him as he had done before in the streets.
+
+He walked about for two hours, keeping his eyes wide open, but though he
+scanned many hundreds of faces, that of Lyman Taylor was not among them.
+Yet his walk was to be more successful than he anticipated.
+
+Little Jack still continued his street trade of selling matches. Peggy
+was not willing to give up the small revenue she obtained from the boy's
+sales. Sometimes, also, a compassionate passer-by would bestow a dime or
+nickel on the boy, pitying him for his thin face and sad expression.
+Sometimes, if Tim were not by, he would buy a cheap lunch, for the
+scanty rations which he received from Peggy, left him in a chronic state
+of hunger.
+
+It was fortunate that the poor boy indulged himself thus, or his feeble
+strength would hardly have held out against hunger and hard work
+combined.
+
+Unwittingly Jack had made an active enemy in Tim Roach. His refusal to
+treat, Tim persuaded himself, was very mean, and his indignation was
+increased by the ill-success of his attempt to secure pay for the
+information given to Peggy. He was anxious to be revenged upon Jack, and
+was only waiting for an opportunity.
+
+Malice generally finds its opportunity after awhile. One day Jack set
+down his basket of matches a moment while he ran into a shop to change a
+twenty-five cent piece. Tim was close at hand, and slyly secured the
+basket, and fled swiftly through a narrow passage-way with his booty. He
+had not only secured a stock of merchandise, but he had got Jack into
+trouble.
+
+When Jack came out and found his basket gone he was in dismay.
+
+"Who took my basket?" he inquired of an applewoman, who kept a stand
+close by.
+
+"There was a bye here just now—bigger than you. He must have run off wid
+it when my back was turned away."
+
+"Where did he go?" asked Jack, anxiously.
+
+"I didn't mind."
+
+"What was he like?"
+
+"Shure I've seed him here afore wid you. You called him Tim."
+
+"It was Tim Roach!" exclaimed Jack. "He's a mean boy. He took it to get
+me into trouble."
+
+"Shure he looks like a thafe."
+
+The tears started to Jack's eyes.
+
+"I don't know what to do," he said, piteously. "I am afraid Peggy will
+beat me when I get home."
+
+"Who is Peggy?" asked a new voice.
+
+Jack looked towards the speaker. He saw a pleasant-faced boy, apparently
+about sixteen.
+
+"She's the woman I live with," answered Jack.
+
+"What will she beat you for?" asked Mark, for it was he. He had just
+come up, and hadn't heard of Jack's misfortune, but his heart was
+stirred to sympathy, by the sadness visible upon the little boy's face.
+
+"For losing my matches," and thereupon Jack told his story to his new
+acquaintance.
+
+"How much were the matches worth?" asked Mark.
+
+"There were fourteen boxes. They cost me three cents a piece. Then there
+was the basket. That cost a quarter."
+
+"Do you know where to buy more?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then take this dollar bill, and get a new supply."
+
+Jack's little face glowed with gratitude.
+
+"Oh, how kind you are!" he said.
+
+"Do you generally stand here?" asked Mark.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Does this Peggy send you out every day?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is she related to you?"
+
+"I thought she was my aunt," answered the match boy, "but last evening a
+gentleman called on Peggy, I heard them talking when they thought I was
+asleep," Jack continued in a lower tone. "I heard the gentleman say I
+had a grandfather living at the East, and that he would pay a good sum
+to get hold of me. I wish he would, for Peggy doesn't give me enough to
+eat, and sometimes she beats me."
+
+"Tell me about this gentleman," said Mark in excitement. "Is he tall?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"With black hair and whiskers?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do you know his name?"
+
+"No, sir; but there he is now!"
+
+Mark followed the direction of the boy's finger, and he recognized,
+though his head was turned, the familiar form of Lyman Taylor on the
+opposite side of the street.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXX.
+                   MARK MAKES ARRANGEMENTS WITH JACK.
+
+
+MARK'S excitement was at fever heat. In the most wonderful manner he had
+succeeded almost without an effort. He could not doubt that this boy was
+the very one of whom he was in search.
+
+He was apprehensive that Lyman would turn, and on recognizing him
+penetrate his design and arrange to defeat it. But fortunately the
+object of his dread appeared to have other business in hand and kept on
+his way, never turning back.
+
+"How old are you?" he asked, thinking it best to make assurance doubly
+sure.
+
+"Peggy says I'm goin' on eight," answered the match boy.
+
+"That is the right age," thought Mark.
+
+"Have you always lived in Chicago?" he continued.
+
+"No, sir; Peggy brought me from St. Louis when I was a very little
+child."
+
+"I suppose you don't remember much about St. Louis?"
+
+"I don't remember it at all."
+
+"What does Peggy do for a living?"
+
+Jack shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Nothing much," he answered; "she says she isn't well enough to work."
+
+"Surely she does not depend wholly upon what you earn?"
+
+"I don't know. Sometimes she gets money in a letter. I think it comes
+from her son."
+
+"Then she has a son?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where does he live?"
+
+"I saw one of his letters once. It said Fall River on the wrapper. I
+think he works in a factory."
+
+"Fall River is a city in Massachusetts. I have never been there, but I
+hear that they have factories there."
+
+"So you can read writing?" asked Mark after a pause.
+
+"Yes, a little."
+
+"And I suppose you can read books and papers?"
+
+"A little. I went to a primary school for a little while, and afterwards
+a lady used to hear my lessons. She lived in the same place with us."
+
+"Did you like studying?"
+
+"Ever so much. I should be happy if I could go to school again, but
+Peggy says I know enough, and she needs me to earn my living."
+
+"Do you know the name of that gentleman you pointed out to me?"
+
+"No, I don't think I heard Peggy mention his name."
+
+"How long has he been in the habit of coming to see you and Peggy?"
+
+"He has only been there two or three times. Peggy didn't remember him at
+first. I think they used to know each other a good while ago."
+
+"Suppose this gentleman's story were true, and you had a grandfather at
+the East who could take good care of you, would you be willing to go to
+him?"
+
+"Would he be kind to me? Do you know him?" asked the little fellow
+eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I know him, and I am sure he would be very kind to you. Would you
+be willing to leave Peggy?"
+
+"Yes," answered little Jack promptly.
+
+"How does she treat you?"
+
+"If I bring home a good bit of money, she pats me on the head and says I
+am a good boy, but if I am not lucky she is very cross, and sometimes
+she beats me."
+
+Mark's sympathies were aroused. Jack was so small, and weak in
+appearance, that it seemed to him revolting to think of his being at the
+mercy of a cruel old woman. Half unconsciously his fist doubled up, his
+teeth closed firmly together, and he just wished he had the merciless
+Peggy in his power.
+
+"Is Peggy temperate?" he asked.
+
+Jack looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Does she drink?" Mark asked, changing the form of his question.
+
+"She drinks beer, and sometimes whiskey," answered Jack.
+
+"Does she get—drunk?"
+
+"Sometimes."
+
+"How does it affect her?"
+
+"It makes her sleepy or cross. I always run away when she has been
+drinking—when I can, but sometimes she locks the door and fastens me in.
+Then, if I can, I hide under the bed."
+
+"Poor boy! you have a hard time of it. Now, Jack, can you keep a
+secret?"
+
+Jack nodded, and his face assumed a cunning look, for the poor boy had
+more than once felt obliged to practice dissimulation, in the rough
+school in which he had been trained.
+
+"Yes," he answered.
+
+"Then I am going to tell you a secret. Your grandfather sent me out here
+to find you."
+
+"He sent you!" ejaculated Jack.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But I thought he sent that gentleman—the one I pointed out to you."
+
+"No; that gentleman, as you call him, is your mother's cousin. He is a
+near relation of yours."
+
+"But he spoke to Peggy about carrying me back to my grandfather."
+
+"He has an object in view. He won't give you up to your grandfather
+unless he gets a large sum of money. I suppose he has promised to give
+Peggy some of the money."
+
+"Yes, I heard him promise Peggy a hundred dollars."
+
+Mark smiled.
+
+"Then I think he is going to cheat Peggy," he said. "He wants five
+thousand dollars for himself."
+
+"Why, that is a good deal more than a hundred dollars."
+
+"Yes, it is fifty times as much. Did Peggy seem to be satisfied with a
+hundred?"
+
+"No; she said it was very little, but he said perhaps my grandfather
+would give her as much as that every year."
+
+"It is evident he proposes to take the old woman in."
+
+"I don't care, if he will only take me back to my grandfather. Will he
+give me enough to eat?"
+
+"My poor child, are you hungry?" asked Mark, compassionately.
+
+"Yes; I think I am always hungry," sighed Jack. "Peggy says I eat too
+much."
+
+"You don't look much like it. Now Jack, one thing more. Would you be
+willing to leave Peggy, and go to New York with me?"
+
+"Would you take me to my grandfather?"
+
+"Yes; that is just what I want to do."
+
+"I am ready to go now," said Jack, putting his hand confidingly in
+Mark's.
+
+"That is well, but it will be better to wait till to-morrow. What time
+do you get up in the morning?"
+
+"About eight o'clock. It isn't any use to go out too early."
+
+"And at what time do you come here, Jack?"
+
+"About half-past eight or nine."
+
+"Then I will meet you to-morrow, somewhere about that time, and I will
+have tickets ready to take us to New York. We can catch the ten o'clock
+train. There isn't any danger of Peggy keeping you, is there?"
+
+"Not unless she thinks I am goin' to run away."
+
+"She mustn't suspect that. We must be sure to keep that from her. I
+suppose you have no other clothes than those you have on?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I will hunt up a clothing-store, and get you fitted out before we
+start. I shouldn't like your grandfather to see you in that ragged
+suit."
+
+Jack looked down at his jacket, frayed, tattered and greasy, and said:
+
+"I've often wished I had nice clothes like that boy," and he pointed out
+a boy of about his own age, dressed in knickerbockers.
+
+"You shall have your wish to-morrow, Jack. Now I suppose you had better
+go and buy some more matches, so that Peggy won't suspect anything."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You'll be sure to meet me to-morrow, Jack?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And don't let Peggy suspect from your looks that anything is going on."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Everything looks favorable," thought Mark as he walked slowly to his
+hotel. "To-morrow at this time Peggy and the worthy Lyman will be
+mourning for a lost boy."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXI.
+                        JACK TALKS IN HIS SLEEP.
+
+
+JACK was naturally very much excited by the new prospects that opened
+out before him. He had seen little happiness in his short life. It is a
+sad thing to say that he had hardly ever known what it was to eat a full
+meal. Cold and pinching privation, and long, toilsome days in the
+streets, had been his portion hitherto. Was it possible, he asked
+himself, that all this was to be changed.
+
+Was he to have a home like other boys, and a relation who was able to
+supply him with the comforts of which he knew so little?
+
+It seemed like a dream, and little Jack might have been tempted to
+distrust the information which had been given to him. But somehow he
+could not help feeling confidence in what Mark told him. He felt that
+Mark would not deceive him, and the dream must come true after all.
+
+Jack finished out the day as usual, and went home. Peggy's attention was
+at once called to the new basket.
+
+"Where did that come from?" she asked.
+
+"My basket was stolen, and a kind gentleman gave me money to buy this."
+Jack answered.
+
+"Was the matches stole too?"
+
+"Yes; he gave me money enough to buy as many as I lost."
+
+"Who stole 'em? Do you know?"
+
+"I think it was Tim Roach. He was hangin' round, at the time I lost it."
+
+"Did he snatch it from you?"
+
+"No; I laid it down a minute while I went into a cigar store to get a
+quarter changed for a gentleman who had just bought a box of matches,
+when Tim picked it up and ran away."
+
+"I'd like to get hold of Tim!" said Peggy wrathfully. "I'd wring his
+neck for him, the little wretch!"
+
+Then a new and cunning idea came to Peggy.
+
+"I tell you what to do, Jack," she said; "just you go out to-morrow
+mornin' without any basket, and begin to cry, and tell people that
+you've had your matches stolen. Then somebody'll give you money, and you
+can bring it home."
+
+"But that would be tellin' a lie, Peggy," objected Jack.
+
+"And what if it is!" retorted Peggy. "You needn't be so dreadfully good.
+It ain't a lie that'll hurt anybody, and the gentlemen that gives you
+the money won't miss it."
+
+It occurred to Jack that it would suit his plans to go out the next
+morning without the basket. Considering how he had been brought up, his
+conscience was unusually tender, and he would not have liked to leave
+the city without returning the basket and his stock-in-trade to Peggy.
+Besides, she could have him arrested for theft, if she chose. He
+decided, therefore, that he would make no further objection to Peggy's
+proposal.
+
+"Just as you say, Peggy," he said, submissively.
+
+"That's a good boy!" said Peggy, good-humoredly. "That's a pretty good
+snap!" she said to herself, complacently. "I don't know why we shouldn't
+foller it up. It'll be more than the profit of the matches, and Jack can
+do it two or three times a day."
+
+It did, indeed, seem a very ingenious method of raising money, and
+answered the purpose of begging, without being open to the usual
+objection.
+
+[Illustration: The old woman drawing near the pallet, strove to catch
+the words that fell from the boy's lips.]
+
+Jack usually got tired with being about the streets all day, and after
+he had eaten the frugal supper with which Peggy had provided him, he lay
+down on a pallet provided for him in the corner of the room, and was
+soon asleep. But with such a momentous secret on his mind, it will not
+be a matter of surprise that Jack's thoughts, even in sleep, were
+occupied with his new plan. Whenever he was restless he was apt to talk
+in his sleep, and did so on the present occasion.
+
+Peggy had not gone to bed, but sat in an old wooden rocking-chair,
+smoking a pipe.
+
+"What's the boy sayin'?" she asked herself, as Jack began to talk. "I'll
+listen, and then if he's been up to any mischief, he'll out with it."
+
+She removed the pipe, and drawing near the pallet, bent over, and strove
+to catch the disconnected words that fell from the boy's lips.
+
+"I'm goin'—to—my grandfather!" she heard Jack say, and the words
+startled her.
+
+"Who's been talkin' to him about his grandfather?" Peggy exclaimed,
+startled. "I didn't know he'd heard a word about him."
+
+"He says—he will—take me!" continued Jack, in a drowsy tone.
+
+"He says he'll take him!" repeated Peggy, in surprise and alarm. "Who's
+he, I'd like to know."
+
+Her suspicions fell at once upon Lyman. No one, so far as she knew, had
+any knowledge of Jack's relations except Lyman. Evidently Lyman had been
+talking to the boy on the sly.
+
+"The villain!" said Peggy, indignantly; "I know what he's up to. He
+wants to get the boy away from me, and get all the reward himself. He's
+going to leave Peggy out in the cowld, and abduct the boy on the sly.
+I've found him out, the artful schamer. So he thinks he can over-rache
+ould Peggy, does he? He'll find it's a cowld day when ould Peggy gets
+left."
+
+Jack began to talk again.
+
+"He says he'll take me off in the cars," he continued. "I like to ride
+in the cars. My grandfather will give me enough to eat, and I won't have
+to sell matches for a livin'."
+
+"The ongrateful young kid," commented Peggy, looking angrily at the
+sleeping boy. "So he wants to lave me who've took care of him ever since
+he was a babby, and he don't mind it no more'n if I was a puppy dog. _I_
+that have been a mother to him!"
+
+Peggy rocked back and forward, and actually persuaded herself that
+little Jack was very ungrateful. It is curious how we misrepresent
+matters from our own point of view. It was Jack who had supported Peggy,
+and she was far more indebted to him than he was to her, but somehow she
+could not see it. She did, however, understand fully how unpleasant it
+would be to lose Jack's services, unless she could receive, as Lyman had
+led her to expect, an adequate compensation from his grandfather.
+
+Peggy deliberated as to what was best to be done. In the first place,
+she wanted to find out for a certainty whether Lyman had really entered
+into a conspiracy against her and meant to abduct Jack without her
+knowledge or consent. It seemed on the whole, the best thing to get up
+herself and follow Jack the next morning, and make sure that Lyman did
+not have a secret conference with him.
+
+When Jack was ready to start out the next morning, Peggy asked with
+apparent carelessness, "Jack, dear, do you ever see the tall gentleman
+that calls here sometimes?"
+
+"Yes, Peggy; I saw him yesterday," answered Jack, readily.
+
+"And what did he say to you?" she asked eagerly.
+
+"He didn't speak to me at all."
+
+"That's a lie!" Peggy said to herself. "He told the bye not to tell."
+But she didn't think it best to charge Jack with it, and so through him
+put Lyman on his guard.
+
+"Remember, lad, you've got no better friend than ould Peggy. If you
+should lave her, she'd die of grafe."
+
+"Thank you, Peggy," said Jack, but he was not much impressed by this
+declaration of affection from one who often beat and systematically
+starved him.
+
+Five minutes after Jack had left the house, Peggy threw on her old
+cloak, and, at a safe distance, followed her youthful charge, meaning to
+keep him under her eye, and watch lest he should be carried off by Lyman
+Taylor. But luckily for Jack, whose meeting with Mark would otherwise
+have been detected, she changed her plan, when she recognized a little
+in advance Lyman himself on State Street.
+
+"It'll be better to watch him," she decided, and gave up following Jack.
+
+Meanwhile Jack had not been at his usual stand more than ten minutes,
+when Mark came up.
+
+"I am glad you are ahead of time, Jack," he said. "Come along with me."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXII.
+                            JACK IS PURSUED.
+
+
+"ARE you goin' to take me away to-day?" asked Jack, who wished to be
+assured that the dream was coming true.
+
+"Yes, Jack, but I can't take you away as you are. I know a place near by
+where you can take a good bath. I will leave you then, and go round by
+myself and buy you some clothes. I can guess your size."
+
+He led the way to a barber's shop which advertised baths, procured a
+ticket, and leaving Jack with strict injunctions to wash himself
+thoroughly, sallied out in search of an outfit for his young companion.
+That did not take long. He returned with two good sized bundles, and
+requested Jack to dress himself in them. When Jack emerged from the
+bath-room he was quite transformed. He was still thin, and his features
+looked pinched, but his dress was, in all respects, that of a boy
+belonging to a well-to-do family.
+
+"Now I think I must have your hair cut, and you will do."
+
+In truth, Jack's long, elf-like locks made his face appear even thinner
+than it really was.
+
+"Don't you want to be shaved, too, young man?" asked the barber,
+jocosely.
+
+"Perhaps he wants to be shaved," said Jack, pointing to Mark, with a
+smile.
+
+Mark colored a little, realizing that he scarcely needed that operation
+any more than Jack.
+
+"Now look at yourself in the glass, Jack!" said Mark.
+
+Jack obeyed, and looked first bewildered, then pleased. He thought at
+first that he was looking at another boy.
+
+"Is that me?" he inquired, almost incredulously.
+
+"I think it is. Peggy wouldn't know you," answered Mark, with a smile.
+
+"I don't want her to," answered the little boy.
+
+Mark had forgotten one thing—a pair of shoes. As he scanned Jack
+critically, he noted the omission, and said, "Jack, we must go to a shoe
+store. It will never do for a young gentleman like you to wear a pair of
+shoes out at the toes and sides."
+
+"They don't look very well," said Jack, with a downward look.
+
+"As you may be taken for my son," said Mark gravely, "I want you to look
+well."
+
+"You're only a boy!" said Jack, who was inclined to a literal
+understanding of what was told him.
+
+"You wouldn't take me for twenty-five, then, Jack?"
+
+"No, you're not that, are you?"
+
+"Well, not quite."
+
+They had not far to go to a shoe store, but it took some time to get
+fitted to a pair of shoes, on account of Jack's having a high instep.
+This delay came near wrecking their plans. Tim Roach, who usually passed
+his time in roaming about the streets, without any special occupation,
+caught sight of Jack as he entered the shoe store with Mark. He let his
+eye rest upon him carelessly at first, but his indifferent glance was
+soon succeeded by a look of the most intense amazement.
+
+"My eye!" he exclaimed, "if that isn't little Jack dressed out like a
+prince! What's happened, I wonder, and who's that with him? I jest wish
+he'd rig me out that way."
+
+Tim did not make himself known, but peered curiously in at the door of
+the store.
+
+"I wonder whether Peggy knows about it?" he soliloquized. "I don't
+believe she does. Wouldn't she open her eyes to see the kid rigged out
+that way. I'd like to tell her."
+
+Circumstances seemed to favor the gratification of this wish, for not
+many rods away he caught sight of Peggy and Lyman Taylor talking
+together.
+
+"I'll go and tell her," he said.
+
+We will precede him and relate what had taken place between the two
+schemers. Peggy had started out with the confident belief that Lyman had
+played her false, and meant to carry away Jack without her knowledge or
+consent. It did, indeed, look as if she were correct, for it must be
+remembered that she knew nothing of Mark's mission to Chicago, Lyman not
+having thought it necessary to tell her. She wanted to meet Lyman and
+"have it out with him," if she found any confirmation in her suspicions.
+
+Lyman chanced to turn, and seeing Peggy with her eyes fixed on him,
+retraced his steps till he reached her.
+
+"Do you want to see me, Peggy?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I wanted to see you, Mr. Lyman Taylor, and ask what you mane by
+tryin' to stale away the bye from me?"
+
+Lyman stared at her in surprise.
+
+"I don't know what you mean," he answered, with a shrug of his
+shoulders. "I thought it was understood that we would restore the boy to
+his grandfather if he would make it worth our while."
+
+"And you didn't mane to take away the bye without my knowin' it?"
+
+"Certainly not. Who told you so?"
+
+"And you haven't told the bye about goin' back to his grandfather?"
+
+"I haven't spoken a word to the boy on the subject."
+
+"Then how did he know about it?"
+
+"Does he know about it?"
+
+Peggy then told her companion about what she had overheard Jack say in
+his sleep the night before. Lyman Taylor was surprised and alarmed, and
+these feelings were so evident on his face that Peggy acquitted him of
+any breach of faith.
+
+"I don't understand it," he said, meditatively. "I have never spoken a
+word about the matter except in your room. Did you ask him about it?"
+
+"I asked him when did he see you, and he said yesterday."
+
+"He might have seen me, but I had no conversation with him."
+
+"So he said."
+
+"He told the truth. I don't think any harm is done, Peggy. He must have
+overheard what we were talking about when we supposed him asleep."
+
+"That's true. Maybe he did."
+
+"That won't interfere with our plans that I can see. I have written to
+my uncle and expect to hear from him in a few days. I will let you know
+what he says as soon as I get the letter."
+
+Then it was that Tim Roach came up, looking preternaturally knowing.
+
+"How are you, Peg?" he said. "Are you walkin' wid your beau?"
+
+"Go away wid you! You're always botherin'."
+
+"You'd orter see what I did jest now," said Tim, wagging his head.
+
+"What did you see, then?"
+
+"I seed your Jack rigged out like a prince in new clothes and a new hat.
+Didn't he look fine?"
+
+"You saw Jack dressed that way?" gasped Peggy.
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"You're lyin' now."
+
+"Wish I may die if I didn't."
+
+"Where was he?"
+
+"In Simpson's shoe store, pickin' out a nice new pair of shoes."
+
+"How could the boy get all these things without money?" asked Lyman
+incredulous.
+
+"There was a big boy wid him was buyin' the things."
+
+"A big boy!" repeated Lyman quickly; "how old was he?"
+
+"Maybe sixteen or seventeen."
+
+An expression, full of dismay, overspread Lyman Taylor's face.
+
+"It is Mark Manning!" he exclaimed. "Quick, boy, tell me where he is."
+
+"In Simpson's shoe store."
+
+"And who is Mark Manning?" asked Peggy bewildered.
+
+"The boy his grandfather sent out here to find him. It's he that has
+been telling Jack about his grandfather. Quick, Peggy! we must go and
+stop him, or he'll take Jack away and leave us out in the cold."
+
+The ill-matched pair hurried to the place indicated by Tim.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XXXIII.
+                       MARK ELUDES HIS PURSUERS.
+
+
+LITTLE Jack had been fitted with a pair of shoes, and Mark had settled
+for them, when the little boy chancing to look towards the entrance of
+the store, was almost paralyzed by the sight of Peggy and Lyman looking
+in at the window. His eyes were good, and he could read on Peggy's face
+a malicious exultation, which boded ill for him when he should again
+find himself in her clutches.
+
+Mark, who had not seen them, noticed the fear upon the face of his
+little charge.
+
+"What's the matter, Jack?" he asked.
+
+"It's them!" answered Jack, hoarsely.
+
+"Who's them?"
+
+"Peggy—and the gentleman."
+
+"Where are they?"
+
+"Looking in at the winder."
+
+Mark had his wits about him, and did not turn round. He wished Peggy and
+her confederate to think themselves undiscovered, while he rapidly
+considered what was best to be done.
+
+Should he leave the store by the front door, Jack would at once be
+pounced upon by Peggy, and there would be a scene.
+
+He might eventually recover Jack, but in the meantime the boy would be
+ill-treated, stripped of his good clothes, and perhaps carried out of
+the city. Just as success seemed assured, he was confronted by defeat.
+
+What was to be done?
+
+Mark was not a boy to give in, unless compelled to do so. An idea came
+to him.
+
+"Jack," he said in a low voice, "don't look towards the window again.
+Don't let them know you have seen them."
+
+"You won't let Peggy get hold of me!" said the boy in a trembling voice.
+
+"Not if I can help it."
+
+Turning to the salesman who had waited upon him, Mark said:
+
+"There are some people at the door that I want to avoid meeting. Is
+there any back entrance to the store?"
+
+"Yes," answered the clerk.
+
+"Will you be kind enough to guide us to it?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Don't look behind you, Jack, but come with me. Don't be alarmed!"
+
+The salesman guided them to a door opening on a narrow street. Boxes of
+goods were so piled up, that this door could not be seen from the window
+into which Peggy and Lyman were looking.
+
+"Where are they going?" Peggy asked.
+
+"To look at some goods in the back part of the store," answered Lyman.
+
+This reassured Peggy, who kept her position, feeling sure that Jack
+could not escape her when he came out.
+
+"I'll sell his new clothes," she thought complacently. "I'll be in luck
+after all."
+
+Once out of the store, Mark looked about him. He felt that it behooved
+him to get beyond the reach of Jack's pursuers as soon as possible.
+Circumstances favored him. Just at the head of the street, he saw a lady
+descend from a hack.
+
+"Hurry up, Jack," he said. "We'll get into this cab."
+
+The driver was about to drive away, after settling with his fare, when
+Mark hailed him.
+
+"Are you unengaged?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Can you drive me at once to the Union Depot in Van Buren Street?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+He dismounted from the box, opened the door for his next passengers, and
+they got in. Then resuming his place on the box, he drove rapidly away.
+
+It so chanced that he passed by the front of the very store from which
+they had just emerged.
+
+Little Jack stole a glance out of the window of the cab.
+
+"There's Peg!" he said.
+
+Following his example, Mark also caught sight of the two with their
+faces glued to the window, still looking in, unconscious that their prey
+had escaped them.
+
+Mark smiled. He felt like a victor, and rather enjoyed the thought of
+having outgeneraled the fox.
+
+"I hope they'll have a good time watching for us, Jack," he said.
+
+The little boy still felt nervous.
+
+"Do you think they'll catch me?" he asked.
+
+"No, Jack, I think they'll get left this time."
+
+The cab made its way rapidly through the crowded streets, and in a very
+short time drew up at the Union Depot.
+
+Mark paid the driver, and accompanied by Jack, made his way to the
+ticket office.
+
+"How soon will there be a train East?" he asked.
+
+"In ten minutes."
+
+"That will suit us, Jack."
+
+He bought tickets, and, the cars being ready, they took their seats in a
+comfortable car of the Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad.
+
+"If they should come here!" suggested Jack, nervously.
+
+"They would have to run fast, if our train leaves on time. There is no
+danger, Jack. Even if they suspect that we have left the store, they
+wouldn't know where we are gone."
+
+Still, even Mark felt relieved and reassured when the signal was given
+and the long train began to steam out of the depot.
+
+"Wouldn't you like to go back and bid Peggy good-by?" he asked,
+jocosely.
+
+"I hope I shall never see Peggy again," answered the little boy,
+shuddering.
+
+"If you ever do, there won't be any danger of her doing you any harm.
+Your grandfather will take care of that."
+
+In his hurry to leave the city, Mark had been compelled to leave his
+bill at the hotel unpaid, but his valise was left behind as security. At
+the first opportunity he telegraphed to the land-lord, promising to
+remit the necessary money, and asking him to hold the valise till
+instructed where to send it by express.
+
+We will now go back to Peggy and Lyman, who were impatiently maintaining
+their watch at the window of the shoe store.
+
+When fifteen minutes had passed, and Jack and Mark did not appear, they
+became alarmed.
+
+"Where are they?" muttered Peggy. "It's long enough they are stayin'."
+
+"You are right, Peggy."
+
+Just then a policeman tapped him on the shoulder. He had been watching
+them for some time and their conduct seemed to him suspicious.
+
+"What are you doing here, my man?" he asked, suspiciously. "You had
+better move on."
+
+"We are waiting for some one to come out," answered Lyman.
+
+"How long do you mean to wait? Is this woman with you?"
+
+"Yes," answered Lyman, reluctantly, for he was not proud of his
+companion, whose appearance was hardly calculated to do him credit.
+
+"Shure, my little bye has been shtole," she put in, "and he's in the
+store now wid the man that shtole him."
+
+"Then you'd better go in and claim him instead of standing here and
+blocking up the sidewalk."
+
+"I think I will follow your advice," said Lyman. "Will you be kind
+enough to stay here a minute, in case I need your help?"
+
+"Very well; only be quick."
+
+Lyman entered the store, and failing to see Jack and Mark, addressed one
+of the salesmen.
+
+"Two boys were in here a short time since," he said; "one large one and
+one small one. Can you tell me where they are?"
+
+It happened that the salesman addressed was the same one who had guided
+the boys to the back entrance. At least fifteen minutes had elapsed, and
+there would be no danger in telling the truth.
+
+"They went away some time since," he answered.
+
+"They did not go out the front door, for I've been there all the time."
+
+"There's another door," quietly retorted the clerk.
+
+"Where?" asked Lyman, in dismay.
+
+"In the rear of the store."
+
+"Sold, by thunder!" exclaimed Lyman, under his breath. "How long have
+they been gone?"
+
+"Fifteen minutes. Were they friends of yours?"
+
+"The small boy was my son," answered Lyman, unblushingly.
+
+"And was the woman I saw with you at the window his mother?" asked the
+salesman, with a smile.
+
+"Certainly not," answered Lyman, coloring with indignation. "The older
+boy has abducted him."
+
+"Why didn't you come in sooner, then?"
+
+"I wish I had."
+
+Great was Peggy's dismay when Lyman told her what he had learned. She
+had fully decided to beat Jack soundly, and now she was baffled of her
+revenge. The two confederates spent the rest of the day in wandering
+about the streets of Chicago in search of Jack and his friend, but their
+search was in vain.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXIV.
+                     MRS. MANNING'S HOUSE IS SOLD.
+
+
+IT is now time to return to Pocasset and inquire how our old
+acquaintances are prospering.
+
+It was still a matter of wonder what had become of Mark. Mrs. Manning
+gave no information, and no letters were received at the post-office
+which would throw light on the mystery. Mark, by arrangement, directed
+all his letters to Mr. Hardy, who inclosed and forwarded them to the
+Pocasset office. Tom Wyman, the postmaster's son, was puzzled to account
+for the letters received from New York by Mrs. Manning.
+
+"They must be from Mark," said James Collins.
+
+"They don't seem to be in Mark's hand-writing."
+
+"He probably gets some one to direct them for him, so as to throw dust
+in our eyes."
+
+This was the conclusion upon which the two boys finally settled.
+
+Another cause of wonder was the hermit's visits to the city. Since he
+had heard that his grandson was living, he went up often to consult with
+Mr. Hardy. Family affection in him had not died out. It had only been
+dormant, and now it was thoroughly reawakened.
+
+"I long to see my daughter's boy," he said. "It will give me something
+to live for. I tremble lest the cup of happiness should be dashed from
+my lips, just as my hopes are awakened."
+
+"Don't be anxious, old friend. Your affairs are in good hands. Mark is
+only a boy, but he has far more discretion and fidelity than most men.
+Do you know what I have in view?"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"If he succeeds in this enterprise I propose, with his mother's
+permission, to take him into my office, and train him up in my business.
+I have hitherto employed boys simply as boys, but Mark is one whom I can
+train up for a responsible position. I am getting older every year, and
+when I am really old, I shall be glad to have a young man at my side
+upon whom I can shift the burden of my business. Do you think his mother
+would object?"
+
+"Mrs. Manning is a sensible woman. I think she will be glad to have her
+son so well provided for. If it is necessary I will myself advise her to
+commit him to your charge."
+
+At length a telegram came from Mark, and by good luck when Mr. Taylor
+was in the office of his agent. It ran thus:
+
+    "JOHN HARDY, NEW YORK.
+
+    "I am on my way to New York with little Jack. Particulars when we
+    meet.
+
+                                                         "MARK MANNING."
+
+"There, old friend, what do you say to that?" asked John Hardy,
+triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you the boy would succeed? Was my
+confidence misplaced?"
+
+"He had my confidence from the first," said Anthony, his face luminous
+with happiness, "but I knew he had an adroit enemy in my nephew Lyman. I
+didn't dare to expect that a country boy would be equal to the
+emergency."
+
+"Now, you can go home with a light heart. In a day or two, your grandson
+will be with you. What are your plans respecting him? Shall you take him
+to Pocasset?"
+
+"I don't think I can do better. He will need a woman's care, and I know
+of no one who will prove kinder than Mrs. Manning."
+
+"She has this in her favor at any rate. She has brought up her own boy
+well. But will the house be large or comfortable enough?"
+
+"I am not very particular for myself. You will judge that when you
+remember the cabin in the woods, where I spent several years. The house
+is small, however, but there is another vacant, much larger and
+handsomer, which I can buy or rent, already furnished. The owner and
+occupant died recently, and his heirs, living in a distant state, want
+to sell it. It has a handsome lawn and a garden attached. It stands near
+the house of Mr. Collins."
+
+"Well, you are able to gratify your own taste in the matter. I will send
+Mark down as soon as he arrives."
+
+When Anthony reached home, he found Mrs. Manning anxious and perturbed.
+The cause will require some explanation.
+
+The small cottage in which Mark and his mother lived did not belong to
+them. They rented it from Deacon Brooks, an old farmer living just out
+of the village, at five-dollars monthly rental. For a special reason
+Squire Collins desired to possess it. He owned the lot adjoining, and it
+occurred to him that the two combined would make a desirable property.
+The house, which was a cottage, could be raised one story, and made much
+more commodious. In that case, it would easily command more than twice
+the rent. The foreman of the shoe-shop stood prepared to rent it of him,
+as soon as the alteration was made.
+
+He therefore approached Deacon Brooks, with a proposition to purchase
+it.
+
+"I don't know," said the deacon. "I never thought of sellin', but I
+can't say I'm opposed to it. I'm getting good rent from the widder
+Manning."
+
+"There's no knowing, deacon, how long she'll be able to pay her rent,"
+said the squire, nodding with a meaning look.
+
+"Sho! you don't say! She ain't lost any money, has she?"
+
+"She had none to lose. Her boy Mark has about supported her with his
+small earnings in the shop. But he isn't employed there any longer."
+
+"I heard something of that. Did you discharge him?"
+
+"Yes; he got too uppish—wasn't willing to obey orders. I was sorry to
+discharge him on his mother's account, but it was his own fault."
+
+"Seems to me I haven't seen him round the village lately?"
+
+"No; he has gone to the city on some wild-goose expedition. My boy James
+thinks he is blacking boots or selling papers. As to that I can't say,
+but it isn't likely he is able to help his mother much."
+
+"I hear Mrs. Manning has a boarder?"
+
+"Yes; it's the old hermit that lived in the woods. I believe he has a
+small pension from some relations, but it doesn't amount to much.
+Probably he doesn't pay more than two or three dollars a week board.
+That won't go far, eh, deacon?"
+
+"You're right there, squire. It costs a sight to live. How much do you
+think my grocery bill came to last month?"
+
+"I don't know," answered the squire, with a curious smile. The deacon
+had the reputation of being very close-fisted, and it was rather amusing
+to hear him speak of the cost of living.
+
+"Fifteen dollars and sixty-seven cents," said the deacon, with the air
+of one who hardly expected to be believed.
+
+"I believe you have six in family," said Squire Collins, with a smile.
+
+"Yes, six, including the hired man."
+
+"I pity your family," thought the squire, who, at all events, kept a
+liberal table.
+
+"Yes, it costs a great deal to live," he added, "and, of course, the
+Widow Manning, though her family is small, can't live on nothing. When
+she finds she can't pay all her bills, she will probably begin by being
+remiss in her rent."
+
+"That's so, squire! She's allus paid so far right up to the handle,
+though."
+
+"When she had Mark's help; but as I told you he is not now in a
+condition to help his mother. Well, what do you say? Shall I have the
+house?"
+
+Then commenced the bargaining. Both parties were sharp, but at length a
+conclusion was reached. Squire Collins agreed to pay eight hundred and
+fifty dollars for the cottage, five hundred to remain on bond and
+mortgage, at six per cent. In a day or two the necessary papers were
+made out, and then Squire Collins took a walk over to the cottage, to
+inform Mrs. Manning that the house had passed into his possession, and
+it would be necessary for her to find another home.
+
+It might have been supposed he would feel some compunction, but he did
+not have much feeling or sympathy for the widow. The ill-feeling between
+Mark and his son had its effect upon him also.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXV.
+                            NOTICE TO QUIT.
+
+
+THERE are some men who enjoy the prospect of dealing a blow, and
+watching the effect—men whose best feelings have been deadened, and who
+have lost all sympathy for those less fortunate than themselves. That
+Squire Collins was a man of this kind will not seem strange to those who
+have followed the course of this story. He set out for Mrs. Manning's
+cottage with a comfortable complacency, though he knew that the
+communication he had to make would bring her great trouble and sorrow.
+
+Quite unconscious of the impending blow, Mrs. Manning was sitting at the
+front window engaged in sewing, while her thoughts were with her absent
+boy, whom she seemed to miss more and more as his absence lengthened.
+Casually looking up from her work, she saw with considerable surprise
+the dignified figure of Squire Collins turning in at her gate.
+
+"What can bring the squire here," she thought. She was not in the habit
+of receiving or expecting calls from her aristocratic townsman, and
+concluded that he must have some special object in calling.
+
+Perhaps he had come to offer to take Mark back into the shop. If so, it
+might be the best thing for her son. She knew very little of old
+Anthony's circumstances, and she did not anticipate any permanent
+position for Mark from that quarter.
+
+"Good morning, Squire Collins," she said, politely.
+
+"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," he responded, somewhat stiffly.
+
+"Won't you come in?"
+
+"Thank you; I will step in for a few minutes, I have a little business
+to speak of."
+
+"It must be that he means to take Mark back into the shop," thought the
+widow, cheerfully.
+
+She led the way into the plain sitting-room, and invited the village
+magnate to take a seat.
+
+"Ahem! your son Mark is away?" remarked the squire, inquiringly. This
+confirmed Mrs. Manning in her conjecture as to the squire's errand.
+
+"Yes," she answered; "but I think he will be at home before long. I miss
+him a great deal."
+
+"I suppose he can't make a living in New York," thought the squire.
+Rather fortunately he didn't inquire where Mark was, since this would
+have embarrassed Mrs. Manning, who knew that it was a secret not to be
+mentioned, and yet would have been reluctant to offend the squire by
+withholding the information.
+
+"Probably he will be as well off at home," said the squire. "I don't
+believe much in boys leaving home on wild-goose expeditions. They think
+it perfectly easy to earn a living elsewhere, but they are pretty apt to
+reap only disappointment."
+
+"I dare say you are right, squire," said Mrs. Manning, leading up to the
+subject of a return to the shop; "but there didn't seem to be anything
+for Mark to do at home."
+
+Squire Collins understood her object, but had no intention of offering
+employment to Mark. He looked at the widow with a peculiar smile, and
+enjoyed the disappointment which his next words were calculated to
+bring.
+
+"I dare say Mark can hire out to some good farmer," he replied,
+indifferently. "Farming is a good healthy business."
+
+Mrs. Manning sighed, for she rightly interpreted that no place in the
+shop was to be offered to Mark.
+
+"Ahem!" said the squire, changing the subject; "you have a boarder, I
+understand?"
+
+"Yes; Mr. Taylor makes his home with us."
+
+"A sensible move on his part. It was a strange thing to live in the
+woods by himself so many years. I hope he will be able to pay his
+board."
+
+"He pays regularly every week," answered the widow.
+
+"I presume he's quite poor?"
+
+"Mark thinks he has considerable money, but I have no means of judging,
+except that he pays his bills promptly."
+
+Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Mark is an inexperienced boy," he said. "The truth is, as I understand,
+old Anthony receives a small pension from some relatives in New York. It
+can't be much, but I hope, for your sake, that he has enough to pay his
+board."
+
+Mrs. Manning began to wonder whether this was what Squire Collins came
+to talk about. She was soon more fully informed.
+
+"How long have you lived in this cottage, Mrs. Manning?" asked the
+squire.
+
+"Ten years, sir."
+
+"You hire of Deacon Brooks?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Ahem! I came here this morning to acquaint you with the fact that I
+have just bought the property."
+
+"Has Deacon Brooks sold to you?" asked the widow, in surprise.
+
+"Yes; the papers have passed, and the transfer has been made. I am now
+the legal owner."
+
+"I shall be glad to keep the house, Squire Collins, if you have no other
+views," said Mrs. Manning. "I have been paying five dollars a month
+rent, and if that is satisfactory——"
+
+"The fact is, Mrs. Manning," interrupted the squire, "I _have_ other
+views. I intend to raise the house a story, and have promised to rent
+it, when completed, to my foreman, Mr. Lake, who contemplates marriage.
+He is boarding at present, as you know."
+
+Mrs. Manning was very much disturbed. It is no light thing to be forced
+to leave a house which has been one's home for a period of ten years,
+especially in a country town where surplus houses are generally scarce
+and hard to find.
+
+"I don't know where I can go," said the widow, anxiously.
+
+"No doubt you'll find some place," said the squire, carelessly.
+
+"How soon do you want me to vacate the house, Squire Collins?" asked
+Mrs. Manning, anxiously.
+
+"At the end of the month."
+
+"But that is only a week from to-day."
+
+"Quite true."
+
+"That is a very short time."
+
+"It ought to be time enough, Mrs. Manning," said the squire, stiffly.
+
+"I would be willing to pay a little higher rent if you would allow me to
+remain, Squire Collins."
+
+"Quite out of the question, Mrs. Manning. Indeed, I will say that I
+think you already pay all you can afford to. I doubt whether you will be
+able—with Mark out of employment—to keep up your present rent. As I
+understand, about all your income comes from a boarder, whose means must
+be extremely limited, and who, in all probability, will end his days in
+the alms-house."
+
+"I don't know of any other house in the village."
+
+"Well, you can think it over; of course that is your own affair, not
+mine."
+
+"If Mark were only at home," said the perplexed woman; "I would know
+better what to do."
+
+"You had better send for him then. Good morning."
+
+Squire Collins rose and left the presence of the widow whom he had made
+thoroughly anxious and unhappy.
+
+In the course of the afternoon old Anthony came home. He was looking
+unusually jubilant and happy, in direct contrast with the widow's
+anxious face.
+
+"Mrs. Manning," he said, "I bring you good news."
+
+"I am glad of it, sir, for I have only bad news."
+
+"And what is your bad news?"
+
+"I must leave this house."
+
+"How is that?" asked the hermit, looking surprised.
+
+"Because it has been sold. Squire Collins has bought it, and says that
+he is intending to enlarge it, and then let it to Mr. Lake, his
+foreman."
+
+"And that is all your bad news?"
+
+"Yes, sir; but I consider it bad enough. I don't know where I can go."
+
+"I will let you have my cabin in the woods rent free," said the hermit,
+with a smile.
+
+"I don't know but I shall have to go there," said the widow, sighing.
+
+"You don't ask me what my good news is," said Anthony.
+
+"I would like to hear it, sir."
+
+"By day after to-morrow Mark will be home."
+
+Mrs. Manning's face did brighten up at this intelligence.
+
+"This is really good news," she said gladly. "Mark will advise me what
+to do."
+
+"Mark will not come alone. Do you think, Mrs. Manning, you can
+accommodate another boarder?"
+
+"Who is it, sir?"
+
+"A little boy. I don't care to keep it secret. It is my grandson."
+
+"Your grandson?"
+
+"Yes; I sent Mark out West to find him. He has succeeded in his mission,
+and the two are now on the way home."
+
+"I shall be glad to take him, sir, if I have anywhere to receive him.
+Squire Collins's visit has rather upset me, and I don't know what to do,
+or where to turn."
+
+"If your only trouble is about a house, I will undertake to find one for
+you. Don't borrow any trouble on that score."
+
+"But I don't know of any house that will come within my means."
+
+"I am afraid, Mrs. Manning, that you haven't confidence in me. I tell
+you again, not to borrow any trouble. I may as well tell you that this
+house will not be large enough for your increased family, and that I
+intended to propose to you to take another."
+
+The widow's anxiety was somewhat relieved. Still she could not help
+wondering what house old Anthony would succeed in finding. There was one
+comfort. In two days Mark would be at home, and would be able to help
+him.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXVI.
+                      THE HERMIT SECURES A HOUSE.
+
+
+A SHORT distance from the house occupied by Squire Collins was one which
+had been for six months vacant. It had been erected as a summer
+residence by a New York gentleman, and occupied by him for several
+seasons. It was the finest house in the village, and it seemed a pity it
+should remain untenanted.
+
+Mr. Beech, the builder, now spent his summers at various
+watering-places, and had apparently tired of Pocasset. It was understood
+that the house was left in the hands of Mr. Thompson, who was authorized
+to let it to a responsible tenant.
+
+Old Anthony the next morning made it in his way to call at the office of
+Mr. Thompson. The latter received him with his usual courtesy.
+
+"I hear that you are boarding with Mrs. Manning, Mr. Taylor," he said.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I think you must find it much more agreeable than your life in the
+woods."
+
+"I do; I am getting over my misanthropy, and am taking more cheerful
+views of life."
+
+"That is good. My son Frank is an intimate friend of Mark, and thinks a
+great deal of him and his mother."
+
+"So do I," responded the hermit. "Mark is a straightforward boy, and
+will succeed life."
+
+"I hope so. I wish I had anything for him to do—Frank would be glad.
+Perhaps in time I may find him a place."
+
+"I think I shall be able to provide employment for Mark myself," said
+the hermit, quietly.
+
+Mr. Thompson regarded him with surprise. Like the rest of the villagers,
+he had been in the habit of regarding old Anthony as a man of limited
+means.
+
+"By-the-way, Mr. Thompson, I called this morning on a little matter of
+business," continued the hermit. "I believe you have the rental of the
+Beach house."
+
+"Yes," answered Mr. Thompson, somewhat surprised.
+
+"I am acquainted with a family who are on the lookout for a house in
+Groveton. This, I think, would suit them, if the rent is not too high."
+
+"It is, you know, a fine house. Would your friends like to have it
+furnished?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"In that case, the rent will be four hundred dollars a year, or a
+hundred dollars a quarter. In the city, or at Long Branch, as you
+probably are aware, four times as much would be required."
+
+"I think that will be satisfactory. Can immediate possession be given?"
+
+"Yes; I will at once set the cleaners to work, and have it got ready by
+the end of the week. One question I am obliged to ask. Is the party for
+whom you are acting, responsible, in a pecuniary way?"
+
+"The first quarter's rent will be paid in advance."
+
+"Pretty satisfactory. May I ask the name of the tenant?"
+
+"There are reasons for keeping it secret for a few days."
+
+"Oh, well, that is not material."
+
+Old Anthony never said a word about what he had done, for, as my readers
+will conjecture, he meant to have Mark and his mother occupy the house.
+It did, however, get noised about, that Mr. Beach's house was taken.
+Squire Collins among others, was curious to ascertain something about
+the new tenants, and made a call on Mr. Thompson, with the special
+object of finding out.
+
+"I am no wiser than you, Squire Collins," said Mr. Thompson. "Of course
+we shall all know in a few days."
+
+"By whom was the matter negotiated?"
+
+"There again I am bound to secrecy, but all will be known."
+
+"Of course the party must have ample means, and I look forward to having
+a pleasant neighbor—there are very few in the village with whom we can
+associate, on an equality, and so any good family is an acquisition."
+
+"You are more fastidious than I, Squire Collins," said Mr. Thompson
+smiling. "I don't value men according to the size of their
+pocket-books."
+
+"You must admit, however, that refinement and wealth are likely to go
+together. You are not too democratic for that?"
+
+"I am not sure. I have known many rich people who were very far from
+being refined. By-the-way, I hear that you have bought the house
+occupied by Mrs. Manning."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Shall you allow her to remain there?"
+
+"No; I mean to enlarge it, and let my foreman occupy it."
+
+"That will be a disappointment to Mrs. Manning."
+
+"Oh, I suppose so," said the squire, carelessly; "but that is her
+lookout, not mine."
+
+"I really don't know of any house in the village she can obtain."
+
+Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I really haven't troubled my mind about the matter," he said.
+
+"If I had time, I don't know but I would build them a small cottage on
+the vacant lot I have on Glen Street."
+
+"Take my advice, and don't; the widow is in very precarious
+circumstances. Her son, Mark, is out of employment."
+
+"Can't you find him something to do, in your shop?"
+
+"I could, but do not feel disposed to. He is a very independent boy, and
+more than once, he treated my son, James, in a disrespectful way. No; he
+must shift for himself some other way."
+
+"Of the two boys, I certainly very much prefer Mark," thought Mr.
+Thompson; but politeness prevented his saying so.
+
+Squire Collins soon took his leave, having failed to acquire the
+information he sought.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XXXVII.
+                              CONCLUSION.
+
+
+MEANWHILE, Mrs. Manning could not help feeling anxious, about her
+prospects of a house.
+
+"Have you heard of any house, Mr. Taylor?" she asked.
+
+The hermit smiled.
+
+"Don't be troubled, Mrs. Manning," he said; "when you leave this house
+you will find another one to move into."
+
+Mrs. Manning was silenced, but still disquieted. She was even tempted to
+wonder whether old Anthony was really quite right in his mind. But there
+was nothing to be done. She could only wait, patiently.
+
+The next day Mark arrived with little Jack. He was looking unusually
+well, his journey having given him a healthy color, and added to his
+flesh. Jack was still thin and pale, but was beginning to look better
+than when under Peggy's care.
+
+[Illustration: The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms
+and kissed him.]
+
+The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms and kissed
+him.
+
+"I can see my daughter's looks in you, Jack," he said. "I fear your life
+has been a sad one, poor child. It shall be my task to repay you for the
+hardships you have had to meet in your short life."
+
+Little Jack seemed to take instinctively to the rough-looking but,
+kind-hearted old man. The poor match boy seemed to have drifted into a
+haven of rest.
+
+"Shall I ever have to go back to Peggy?" he asked.
+
+"Never, my child. This good lady," indicating Mrs. Manning, "will supply
+the place of your own mother."
+
+"I will sell matches for you, if you want me to, grandfather. I didn't
+like working for Peggy, but I will work for you."
+
+"My dear Jack, instead of working you must go to school, and learn all
+you can. When you are grown up, it will be time for you to work."
+
+It soon became noised about that the little boy, who was seen about the
+village with Mark, was the hermit's grandson. But the grandson of old
+Anthony was not considered a very important person, and only excited
+passing interest.
+
+Mark was let into the secret of the new home to which Mr. Taylor
+proposed to move, and he was naturally pleased to think that his
+mother's condition was to be so much improved.
+
+Nothing had leaked out in the village, however, about the contemplated
+removal.
+
+The week was nearly ended when Mark happened to meet James Collins in
+the street. James had been informed by his father that Mrs. Manning had
+received notice to leave the cottage, and it gratified his dislike of
+Mark. What puzzled him was, Mark's apparent indifference and evident
+good spirits.
+
+"Perhaps he thinks my father will relent, and let him stay, but he'll
+find himself mistaken as I shall let him know when I get a chance."
+
+The chance came that very day.
+
+"Hallo!" said James, as Mark was about to pass him.
+
+"Hallo!" responded Mark smiling.
+
+"I hear you've got to move."
+
+"So I hear."
+
+"It's high time you were finding a new house."
+
+"I think so myself, but that's my mother's business."
+
+"You needn't think my father will let you stay where you are."
+
+"Don't you think he would let us stay a month longer?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"He wouldn't put us out in the street, would he?"
+
+"Look here, Mark Manning, I see what you are at. You want to impose on
+my father's good nature. I shall warn him of your plan."
+
+"Just as you please, James."
+
+The result was that Squire Collins, sharing to some extent his son's
+apprehensions, made a call that same evening at the cottage. All the
+family were at home.
+
+After the usual greetings were over, the squire said:
+
+"I suppose, Mrs. Manning, you will be ready to move on Saturday?"
+
+"Suppose my mother can't get a house," suggested Mark.
+
+"She _must_ find a house," said the squire, severely. "She has had time
+enough to find one. You mustn't blame me if I say that move you must on
+Saturday."
+
+"You need have no anxiety, Squire Collins," said Mrs. Manning, with
+dignity. "I intend to move on that day."
+
+"And where, may I ask?" inquired the squire, with curiosity.
+
+"We move into the Beach house," answered Mark, his eyes fixed with
+smiling interest on the village magnate.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the squire in amazement and incredulity. "Do you mean
+the house near mine?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You must be crazy," he gasped. "That is a very elegant house, and the
+rent is high."
+
+"I think we can pay it."
+
+"And your furniture is unfit for so handsome a residence, even if there
+were enough of it."
+
+"We hire the house with its present furniture," said Mark complacently.
+
+"I don't understand it at all!" exclaimed the perplexed squire. "How can
+you, being almost a beggar, dream of living there?"
+
+"I think, Squire Collins," said old Anthony, quietly, "that you are
+somewhat in error as to my young friend Mark's circumstances."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean that he has a very good property for a boy of his age."
+
+Mark was as much amazed as the squire at this statement. The latter said
+with a sneer:
+
+"And where is this famous property?"
+
+"I will inform you with pleasure. There are a thousand dollars to his
+credit in a savings' bank in New York, and he holds a mortgage of four
+thousand dollars on your manufactory."
+
+Even Mark thought Anthony was out of his mind.
+
+"Why," stammered the squire, "I negotiated that mortgage through Mr.
+Hardy, of New York."
+
+"Exactly! The money he advanced he held in trust for Mark."
+
+"I can't believe this!" exclaimed the squire in mortification and
+bewilderment.
+
+"Is this really true, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mark.
+
+"Yes. Let me inform you, Squire Collins, that though I have lived as a
+hermit, I am really a moderately rich man, and some time since
+transferred without his knowledge five thousand dollars to Mark here,
+who, as you see, is really chief owner of the shop from which you
+discharged him."
+
+"I didn't dream of this!" ejaculated the squire.
+
+"I presume not," said the hermit dryly.
+
+"If Mark chooses to come back into the shop, I will raise his wages."
+
+"My friend Hardy intends to offer Mark a position in his office in the
+city, which I think will suit him better. It only remains to say that
+this cottage will be vacated on Saturday."
+
+"I don't want to inconvenience Mrs. Manning," said the squire, filled
+with respect by the unexpected prosperity of those whom he had come to
+bully. "Stay another week if you wish."
+
+"We don't wish, thank you," said Mark.
+
+It was a wonderful story that Squire Collins had to tell at home, and
+the deep chagrin of James can be imagined. But he was worldly wise, and
+he soon decided to court the boy he had hitherto despised. What annoyed
+him most was the thought Mark held a mortgage on his father's shop, and
+was to live in a house handsomer than his own.
+
+                               ----------
+
+Five years have elapsed since the incidents recorded above. Mark fills a
+responsible position in the office of Mr. Hardy, with a handsome salary.
+Little Jack is now a rosy, healthy child of thirteen, and those who
+remembered him as a match boy would not know him now. His grandfather's
+happiness is bound up in his little grandson, but he is still very much
+attached to Mark, and he has made a new will, in which he divides his
+fortune equally between these two.
+
+Lyman Taylor is again within the walls of a penitentiary, having forged
+a check upon a well-known merchant of Chicago; and old Peggy, taking
+Jack's place, is to be seen any day on Clark or State streets, with a
+basket of matches, which she makes an excuse for appealing to the
+charity of passers by. Her face is growing redder and redder, as her
+potations increase, and she will probably end her career in a hospital
+or alms-house.
+
+James Collins is now a clerk in Newport, on a small salary, with which
+he is very much discontented, and from time to time asks a loan of his
+old schoolfellow, Mark, to whom he is now compelled to look up. He has
+developed extravagant tastes, and is always in debt. I greatly fear that
+neither his habits nor his fortunes will improve as he grows older. For
+our hero, Mark, and those who belong to him, we may anticipate brighter
+days and greater prosperity, as a fitting recompense of industry and
+good habits.
+
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers,
+52-58 Duane Street, New York
+
+                             --------------
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+
+=Joe's Luck=: A Boy's Adventures in California. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing
+situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and
+the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike
+Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is
+certainly one of his best.
+
+=Tom the Bootblack=; or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
+himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.
+Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad.
+The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a
+comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.
+
+=Dan the Newsboy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of
+New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the
+Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house
+where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little
+heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities that
+she adopts him as her heir.
+
+=Tony the Hero=: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By HORATIO ALGER,
+JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and
+gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large
+estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him down a
+deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him, and by
+a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is prosperous. A
+very entertaining book.
+
+=The Errand Boy=; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart
+country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named
+Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent
+troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the situation of
+errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.
+
+=Tom Temple's Career.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village to
+seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to
+California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that
+the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have
+been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style.
+
+=Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+situation as a cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter helps
+the lad to gain success and fortune.
+
+=Tom Thatcher's Fortune.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts
+overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is
+told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so
+many homes.
+
+=The Train Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother and
+sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is
+well started on the road to business prominence.
+
+=Mark Mason's Victory.= The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By
+HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many
+difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who
+regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.
+
+=A Debt of Honor.= The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West.
+By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and
+disappointments which he passed through before he attained success, will
+interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful
+author.
+
+=Ben Bruce.= Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By HORATIO ALGER,
+JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success,
+are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's
+most fascinating style.
+
+=The Castaways=; or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen
+leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the
+coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through
+her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the
+leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the
+cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr.
+Otis is a prime favorite.
+
+=Wrecked on Spider Island=; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a
+livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers
+a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount of
+treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the voyage
+serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious
+boy could desire.
+
+=The Search for the Silver City=: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day
+Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and
+then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the
+wonderful Sliver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the help
+of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images from
+the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape is
+effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting
+incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and
+realism of the narrative.
+
+=A Runaway Brig=; or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering
+sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with
+Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob
+Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document which
+enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on an island
+and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be
+fascinated with this entertaining story.
+
+=The Treasure Finders=: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By JAMES OTIS.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
+indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The
+Treasure Finders."
+
+=Jack, the Hunchback.= A Story of the Coast of Maine. By JAMES OTIS.
+Price $1.00.
+
+This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elisabeth, on
+the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. From
+first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us
+along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses
+its force.
+
+=With Washington at Monmouth=: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price
+$1.50.
+
+Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and
+frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British occupied
+the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully
+drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given shown
+that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable study.
+The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis'
+works.
+
+=With Lafayette at Yorktown=: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the
+Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges,
+illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+Two lads from Portmouth, N. H. attempt to enlist in the Colonial Army,
+and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful
+excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with,
+and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and Ned
+Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain in his
+memory long after that which he has memorized from text books has been
+forgotten.
+
+=At the Siege of Havana.= Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving
+under Israel Putnam in 1762. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth,
+olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's history
+when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the assistance
+given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. Israel Putnam.
+
+The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas Vallet.
+Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily, in the
+tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on
+historical facts.
+
+=The Defense of Fort Henry.= A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who
+founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The
+recital of what Elisabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can
+be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and his
+gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice of
+blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers.
+
+=The Capture of the Laughing Mary.= A Story of Three New York Boys in
+1776. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.
+
+"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's
+person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They do
+some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an American
+navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis'
+books are too well-known to require any particular commendation to the
+young."—Evening Post.
+
+=With Warren at Bunker Hill.= A Story of the Siege of Boston. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after the
+doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life in
+Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, shows
+Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle of
+Bunker Hill and closes with the raising of the siege. The three heroes,
+George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of
+a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will like to
+read."—Detroit Free Press.
+
+=With the Swamp Fox.= The Story of General Marion's Spies. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, Illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the
+Carolinas. General Marlon's arrival to take command of these brave men
+and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although
+the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever present
+in the mind of the reader.
+
+=On the Kentucky Frontier.= A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the
+West. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than that
+of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers-men.
+Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the arrival of
+Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was captured. He
+relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which is not usually
+touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. This is one of
+the most entertaining books for young people which has been published.
+
+=Sarah Dillard's Ride.= A Story of South Carolina in 1780. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail
+of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's
+troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story,
+which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these
+adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out
+as an incident of the plot."—Boston Journal.
+
+=A Tory Plot.= A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of the
+plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or murder
+Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and are
+commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter. They
+do so, and meet with many adventures and hair-breadth escapes. The boys
+are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to put
+into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one phase
+of the Revolution."—Pittsburgh Times.
+
+=A Traitor's Escape.= A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold.
+By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, bringing
+clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early settlers In this
+country. In an historical work dealing with this country's past, no plot
+can hold the attention closer than this one, which describes the attempt
+and partial success of Benedict Arnold's escape to New York, where he
+remained as the guest of Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually
+figured In the arrest of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are
+included as characters."—Albany Union.
+
+=A Cruise with Paul Jones.= A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life when
+he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to
+strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent
+upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous
+battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was
+taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular cruise
+was begun."—Chicago Inter-Ocean.
+
+=Corporal Lige's Recruit.= A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an
+old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and
+who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad
+acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the
+continental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative,
+which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point,
+Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names
+appear in this dramatic tale."—Boston Globe.
+
+=Morgan, the Jersey Spy.= A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"The two lads who are utilised by the author to emphasise the details of
+the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived on the
+banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his dangerous
+occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown, are
+suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks his life to
+save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a squad of red
+coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of friends and foes,
+told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one of the most
+entertaining books of the year."—Inter-Ocean.
+
+=The Young Scout=: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By EDWARD S.
+ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a
+tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid.
+The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.
+Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate
+chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly escapes
+with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian
+stories now before the public.
+
+=Adrift in the Wilds=: The Adventures of Two Ship-wrecked Boys. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off
+the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the
+shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated
+from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards
+rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.
+
+=A Young Hero=; or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from the
+Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple-minded ladies. Fred Sheldon,
+the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them
+arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in
+discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The story is told
+in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read
+this delightful book.
+
+=Lost in the Rockies.= A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is plied upon adventure, and
+at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures
+in the Rockies and among the Indians.
+
+=A Jaunt Through Java=: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain.
+By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two
+cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of
+Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal
+Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met
+with. It is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.
+
+=The Boy Patriot.= A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid
+description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this
+story."—Journal of Education.
+
+=A Yankee Lad's Pluck.= How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's Ranch in
+Porto Rico. By WM. P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and
+is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst the
+story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This will, we
+think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season."—Gazette.
+
+=A Brave Defense.= A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By
+WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during the
+Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn., in
+1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls,
+either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on
+the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey
+Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave
+comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be learning something
+more than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity,
+of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable
+in the arena of life.
+
+=The Young Minuteman.= A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in
+1777. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British
+occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William
+Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one,
+dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling
+adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will
+find not only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his
+own patriotism and love of country are deepened.
+
+=For the Temple=: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.
+
+"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance to
+Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the
+world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."—Graphic.
+
+=Roy Gilbert's Search=: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. CHIPMAN.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges with
+two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam launch. The
+three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes. Afterwards the
+lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later
+on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly,
+self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest.
+
+=The Slate Picker=: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By
+HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben
+Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he
+advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a book
+of extreme interest to every boy reader.
+
+=The Boy Cruisers=; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. GEORGE RATHBORNE.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf
+coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with a
+pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in the
+Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and Andrew gets
+into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr. Rathborne knows just
+how to interest the boys, and lads who are in search of a rare treat
+will do well to read this entertaining story.
+
+=Captured by Zulus=: A Story of Trapping in Africa. By HARRY PRENTICE.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The lads
+escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night. They
+are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice tells
+exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native
+stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.
+
+=Tom the Ready=; or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
+ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and
+the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a
+purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.
+
+=Captain Kidd's Gold=: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea of
+buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese
+and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There were
+many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Paul
+Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable treasure
+buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this hook is an ambitious,
+persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to
+reach the Island and secure the money form one of the most absorbing
+tales for our youth that has come from the press.
+
+                             --------------
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, =A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York=.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+ ● Transcriber's Notes:
+    ○ Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected.
+    ○ Unbalanced quotation marks were silently corrected.
+    ○ Typographical errors were silently corrected.
+    ○ Spelling and hyphenation was made consistent when a predominant
+      form was found in this book; otherwise it was not changed.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55000 ***
diff --git a/55000-0.zip b/55000-0.zip
deleted file mode 100644
index 73cf419..0000000
--- a/55000-0.zip
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/55000-h/55000-h.htm b/55000-h/55000-h.htm
index 9434451..61476c7 100644
--- a/55000-h/55000-h.htm
+++ b/55000-h/55000-h.htm
@@ -1,10591 +1,10161 @@
-<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"

-    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">

-<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">

-  <head>

-    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />

-    <title>Mark Manning's Mission, by Horatio Alger, Jr.—A Project Gutenberg eBook</title>

-    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />

-    <style type="text/css">

-       body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; }

-       h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; }

-       h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; }

-       p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; }

-       .sc { font-variant: small-caps; }

-       .large { font-size: large; }

-       .xlarge { font-size: x-large; }

-       .small { font-size: small; }

-       abbr { border-bottom-width: thin; border-bottom-style: dotted; }

-       .lg-container-b { text-align: center; }

-       @media handheld { .lg-container-b { clear: both; } }

-       .lg-container-r { text-align: right; }

-       @media handheld { .lg-container-r { clear: both; } }

-       .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; }

-       @media handheld { .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } }

-       .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; }

-       .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; }

-       div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; }

-       ul.ul_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em;

-               margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: disc; }

-       ul.ul_2 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 6.94%; margin-top: .5em;

-               margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: circle; }

-       div.pbb { page-break-before: always; }

-       hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; }

-       @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; } }

-       .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; }

-       .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; }

-       div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; }

-       .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }

-       .id001 { width:500px; }

-       .id003 { width:70px; }

-       @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:19%; width:62%; } }

-       @media handheld { .id003 { margin-left:46%; width:8%; } }

-       .ic002 { width:100%; }

-       .ig001 { width:100%; }

-       .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 7%; margin-right: 8%;

-               width: 85%; }

-       .nf-center { text-align: center; }

-       .nf-center-c0 { text-align: left; margin: 0.5em 0; }

-       .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; }

-       .c000 { margin-top: 1em; }

-       .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 1em; }

-       .c002 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;

-               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%;

-               margin-top: 1em; }

-       .c003 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;

-               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%; }

-       .c004 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;

-               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%;

-               margin-top: 2em; }

-       .c005 { margin-top: 4em; }

-       .c006 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;

-               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 42%; width: 15%; margin-right: 43%; }

-       .c007 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; }

-       .c008 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;

-               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%; width: 10%; margin-right: 45%;

-               margin-top: 2em; }

-       .c009 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; }

-       .c010 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; }

-       .c011 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 2em; }

-       .c012 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }

-       .c013 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }

-       .c014 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;

-               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%; width: 10%; margin-right: 45%; }

-       .c015 { margin-left: 5.56%; font-size: 85%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em;

-               margin-bottom: 0.5em; }

-       .c016 { font-size: 85%; }

-       .c017 { font-size: 85%; text-align: right; }

-       .c018 { margin-left: 11.11%; font-size: 85%; }

-       .c019 { margin-left: 11.11%; font-size: 85%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em;

-               margin-bottom: 0.5em; }

-       .c020 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;

-               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%; margin-right: 40%; }

-       .c021 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }

-       .c022 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }

-       body {width:80%; max-width:45em; margin:auto; }

-    </style>

-  </head>

-  <body>

-

-

-<pre>

-

-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mark Manning's Mission, by Horatio Alger Jr.

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with

-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or

-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included

-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license

-

-

-Title: Mark Manning's Mission

-       The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy

-

-Author: Horatio Alger Jr.

-

-Illustrator: J. (John) Watson Davis

-

-Release Date: June 28, 2017 [EBook #55000]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING'S MISSION ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen; cover found

-at http://www.horatioalgersociety.net; and the Online

-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This

-file was produced from images generously made available

-by The Internet Archive)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-</pre>

-

-

-<div  class='figcenter id001'>

-<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />

-</div>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div  class='figcenter id001'>

-<img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />

-<div class='ic002'>

-<p>"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left," said the hermit, as he counted the pieces of gold.</p>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div>

-  <h1 class='c001'>MARK MANNING'S MISSION</h1>

-</div>

-<hr class='c002' />

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-  <div class='nf-center'>

-    <div><span class='large'>The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy</span></div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<hr class='c003' />

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-  <div class='nf-center'>

-    <div>By HORATIO ALGER, <span class='sc'>Jr.</span></div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-  <div class='nf-center'>

-    <div><span class='small'>Author of "Mark Mason's Victory," "Ben Bruce,"</span></div>

-    <div><span class='small'>"Bernard Brook's Adventures," "A Debt of Honor,"</span></div>

-    <div><span class='small'>etc., etc.</span></div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<div  class='figcenter id003'>

-<img src='images/publogo.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />

-</div>

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-  <div class='nf-center'>

-    <div class='c000'><span class='small'>With Five Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis</span></div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<hr class='c004' />

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-  <div class='nf-center'>

-    <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY,</div>

-    <div>PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-<div class='nf-center c005'>

-    <div><span class='small'>COPYRIGHT 1905</span></div>

-    <div><span class='sc'>By</span> A. L. BURT COMPANY</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<hr class='c006' />

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-  <div class='nf-center'>

-    <div>MARK MANNING'S MISSION</div>

-    <div>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c005' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 class='c007'>CONTENTS</h2>

-</div>

-<hr class='c008' />

-<table class='table0' summary=''>

-<colgroup>

-<col width='13%' />

-<col width='86%' />

-</colgroup>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><span class='small'>CHAPTER</span></td>

-    <td class='c010'>&nbsp;</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='1'>I</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch01'>Three Young Hunters</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='2'>II</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch02'>The Hermit's Cabin</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='3'>III</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch03'>A Timely Rescue</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='4'>IV</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch04'>The Hermit Explains</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='5'>V</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch05'>Lyman Taylor Makes a New Acquaintance</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='6'>VI</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch06'>A Tragedy in the Pasture</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='7'>VII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch07'>Mark at Home</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='8'>VIII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch08'>Deacon Miller Gets a Clue</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='9'>IX</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch09'>The Deacon's Mission</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='10'>X</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch10'>Mark Protects a Friend</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='11'>XI</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch11'>Mark is Discharged</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='12'>XII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch12'>Good Luck After Misfortune</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='13'>XIII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch13'>The Little Man in Black</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='14'>XIV</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch14'>An Important Proposal</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='15'>XV</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch15'>The Hermit's Bank</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='16'>XVI</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch16'>Lyman Taylor Gains some Information</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='17'>XVII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch17'>On the Trail of Gold</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='18'>XVIII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch18'>Lyman's Disappointment</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='19'>XIX</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch19'>The Hermit Receives a Call</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='20'>XX</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch20'>How Lyman Succeeded</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='21'>XXI</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch21'>All Aboard for New York</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='22'>XXII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch22'>In an Office on Broadway</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='23'>XXIII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch23'>Mark's Mission</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='24'>XXIV</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch24'>What Mark Discovered</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='25'>XXV</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch25'>The Little Match Boy</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='26'>XXVI</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch26'>Luck Favors Lyman</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='27'>XXVII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch27'>Old Peggy</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='28'>XXVIII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch28'>Lyman's Plan</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='29'>XXIX</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch29'>Mark Receives a Telegram</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='30'>XXX</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch30'>Mark Makes Arrangements with Jack</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='31'>XXXI</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch31'>Jack Talks in his Sleep</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='32'>XXXII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch32'>Jack is Pursued</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='33'>XXXIII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch33'>Mark Eludes his Pursuers</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='34'>XXXIV</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch34'>Mrs. Manning's House is Sold</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='35'>XXXV</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch35'>Notice to Quit</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='36'>XXXVI</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch36'>The Hermit Secures a House</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td class='c009'><abbr title='37'>XXXVII</abbr>.</td>

-    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch37'>Conclusion</a></td>

-  </tr>

-</table>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-

-<div class='nf-center-c1'>

-<div class='nf-center c005'>

-    <div><span class='xlarge'>MARK MANNING'S MISSION.</span></div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<hr class='c006' />

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch01' class='c011'>CHAPTER I. <br /> THREE YOUNG HUNTERS.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Two</span> boys, with guns on their shoulders, were

-crossing a meadow towards the Pecasset woods.

-These were situated about a mile from the village,

-and were quite extensive. The two boys were

-James Collins and Tom Wyman, the first, the son

-of a large shoe manufacturer, the other the son

-of the village postmaster. They were about of a

-size, and had the appearance of being sixteen

-years of age. They were very intimate, the

-second being a satellite of the first, who in right

-of his father's wealth considered himself the first

-boy in Pecasset. Tom flattered his vanity by

-acknowledging his pretensions, and this gave him

-his position of favorite with the young aristocrat.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should like to be a hunter," said Tom, as

-they walked along.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A fine hunter you'd be," said James, in a tone

-by no means complimentary, for he didn't feel

-it necessary to flatter his humble companion.

-"You never hit anything, you know."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Come, James, that's a little too strong," said

-Tom, in a tone of annoyance. "I don't pretend

-to be as good a shot as you are, but still I have

-hit a bird before now."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"When it was perched on a fence, eh?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, on the wing."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who saw you do it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I was alone."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I thought," said James, laughing.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I did it, really. Of course I can't shoot as

-well as you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't think there is a boy in the village can

-come up to me in that line," said James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course not; though Mark Manning isn't a

-bad shot."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning! He's one of the peggers in

-my father's shop, isn't he?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Son of the poor widow that lives near the

-schoolhouse?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What can he know of gunning? He had

-better stick to the shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I didn't say he was equal to you," said

-Tom apologetically, "but I have seen him shoot

-well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Has he a gun of his own?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, but he often gets the loan of Farmer

-Jones's."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose he could hit a barn door if he were

-within fifty feet of it," said James, contemptuously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom was silent. It was not the first time he

-had noticed how distasteful to James was praise of

-any other boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>At this moment, from another direction came

-a third boy, of about the same size and age as the

-two already introduced. He also had a gun on his

-shoulder. He had on a well-worn suit of mixed

-cloth, which had been darned in one or two places.

-His face was open and attractive, his form was

-well-knit and muscular, and he was evidently in

-vigorous health.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom Wyman was the first to notice the newcomer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Talk of the—old Harry," he said, "and he

-is sure to appear."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you mean?" asked James, who had

-not yet espied the new arrival.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There's Mark Manning coming towards

-us."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James condescended to turn his glance in Marks'

-direction.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What brings him here, I wonder?" he said,

-with a curl of the lip.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The same errand that brings us, I should

-judge, from the gun on his shoulder," answered

-Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>By this time Mark was within calling distance.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hallo, boys!" he said. "Have you shot anything

-yet?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No," answered Tom. "Have you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I have only just come."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why are you not in the shop?" demanded

-James, with the air of a young lord.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because we work only half-time to-day."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose you were glad of the holiday?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I would rather have worked. Half-work,

-half-pay, you know."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose that's quite an important consideration

-for a—a working boy like you," drawled

-James, with an air of patronage.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark surveyed James, with a quizzical smile, for

-he had a genuine boy's disdain for affectation, and

-James was a very good specimen of a self-conceited

-dude, though the latter term had not yet come

-into use.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said, after a slight pause, "it is a

-consideration—to a working boy like me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How much now does my father pay you?"

-inquired James, with gracious condescension.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Seventy-five cents a day—that's the average."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very fair pay! I suppose you take it home

-to your mother?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do," answered Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She's—ah—very poor, I hear."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark began to find his patronage on the whole

-rather oppressive. He had a sturdy independence

-of feeling that grew restive under the young

-patrician's condescension.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We are poor," he answered, "but we have

-enough to eat, and to wear, and a roof to cover

-us—"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Exactly. You are indebted to my father for

-that."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't see how."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Doesn't he employ you and pay you wages?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, but don't I earn my wages by good

-work?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Really, my good fellow, I can't say. I presume

-you do passably well, or he wouldn't keep

-you in his employ."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then it seems to me we are even on that

-score. However, I didn't come here to talk about

-myself."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Here there was a sudden diversion.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Look, James! See that bird!" exclaimed

-Tom, in excitement.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The other two boys looked in the direction indicated,

-and saw a hawk flying swiftly, perhaps

-two hundred feet above them. The three simultaneously

-raised their guns, and Tom and James

-fired. But Mark, upon second thought reserved

-his fire, in order to give his two companions a

-chance.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Their guns were discharged, but in vain. The

-bird flew on, apparently unconcerned, considerably

-to their disappointment.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now it is my turn!" reflected Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger;

-the effect was soon seen. The bird fluttered

-its wings, then dropped quickly through the air.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"By Jove, Mark's hit him!" exclaimed Tom in

-excitement.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James frowned in evident displeasure.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, he was lucky!" he said significantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark had run forward to pick up the bird.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I told you Mark was a good shot!" said Tom,

-who had not so much vanity to wound as James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose you think him a better shot than

-I, because he hit the bird and I didn't?" said

-James, reddening.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I don't say that!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I tell you it was pure luck. I've heard of a

-man who shut his eyes when he fired, but he succeeded

-when all his companions failed. You

-can't judge of one by a single shot."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Here Mark came up with his trophy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I congratulate you on your success," said

-James, unpleasantly. "I suppose this is the first

-bird you ever shot?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, no!" answered Mark smilingly. "I

-have shot a few before now."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A fly lit on my nose just when I was pulling

-the trigger, or I should have brought him down."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That was lucky for me," said Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Come, Tom," said James, drawing his companion

-away to the left. "We'd better separate,

-or we shall all be shooting at the same object."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good luck to you then!" said Mark, as the

-two left him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thanks!" said Tom, but James deigned no

-notice of Mark's civility.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch02' class='c007'>CHAPTER II. <br /> THE HERMIT'S CABIN.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> smiled to himself as the boys left him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"James doesn't care to associate with us working

-boys," he thought. "Well, I fancy he cares

-as much for my company as I do for his."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was thoroughly independent and self-reliant,

-and had no disposition to trouble himself

-because a particular boy didn't care to associate

-with him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He was not self-conceited, but he respected

-himself, and never would have been willing, like

-Tom Wyman, to play the part of an humble

-satellite to the son of a wealthy shoe manufacturer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He reached the edge of the woods, and plunged

-into their shaded recesses. Here and there were

-paths more or less worn. One of these he took.

-It was a considerable time before he found anything

-to shoot at. Finally he fired at a squirrel,

-but the active little animal eluded him, and made

-his way to some covert, whence possibly he

-peeped out with twinkling eyes at his enemy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Farther on he reached a small clearing, in the

-center of which rose an humble log dwelling, of

-the most primitive description.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark regarded it with curiosity, for, though it

-was no new object to him, he knew that it was

-occupied by a man who for five years had baffled

-the curiosity of the neighborhood.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Now and then he was seen in the village,

-whither he went to procure supplies of food and

-other necessaries. A striking figure he was, with

-his long flowing sandy beard, thickly flecked with

-gray hairs, high forehead, and long, circular

-cloak wrapped around his tall, spare form.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>On his head he wore a Spanish sombrero, and

-his appearance in the streets never failed to attract

-the curious eyes of the children.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Once some rude boys followed him with jeers,

-but were never tempted to repeat the rudeness.

-With his long staff upraised, he gave chase to

-them, looking so terrible that they were panic-stricken,

-and with pale faces, scattered in all

-directions.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>While Mark was standing near the hermit's

-cabin, he thought he heard a smothered groan

-proceeding from within.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What can be the matter," he thought, "can

-old Anthony be sick?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This was the name, correct or not, by which

-the hermit was known in the village.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He paused a moment in indecision, but on hearing

-the groan repeated, he overcame his scruples,

-and pushing open the door, which stood ajar, he

-entered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>On a pallet, at one corner of the main room,

-lay the old man, with his limbs drawn up, as if

-in pain. His back was towards the door.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who is there?" he asked, as he heard the

-door open.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A friend," answered Mark. "Are you

-sick?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have a severe attack of rheumatism," answered

-the old man.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And you have no one to take care of you?"

-said Mark, pityingly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; I have no friends," answered the old

-man, in a tone half sad, half bitter. "Come

-round to the foot of the bed; let me look at you,"

-he added, after a pause.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark complied with his request.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony regarded him attentively, and

-said, half to himself, "a good face! a face to be

-trusted!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope so," said Mark, with a feeling of pleasure.

-"Can I do anything for you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are willing to help old Anthony? You

-see I know what they call me in the village."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes. I shall be willing and glad to do anything

-for you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are a good boy. What is your name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know who you are. Your mother is a

-widow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And poor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We have little money, but we have never

-wanted for food."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You work for your mother?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; I am employed in the shoe factory."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A good son will make a good man. You will

-never repent what you are doing for your mother."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; I am sure I shall not," returned Mark,

-warmly. "I ought not, for she has done everything

-for me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What brings you here?" asked the old man.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I had a spare afternoon, and came out gunning.

-I was wandering about these woods and

-happened to come this way. How long have you

-been sick?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"For several days; but I was able to be about

-till yesterday."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you taken no medicine?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No. I thought I might do without it; but I

-find I am mistaken."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shall I call the doctor?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; my disease is of old standing, and I know

-what to do for it. If you are willing to go to the

-drug store for me you may take the bottle on

-yonder shelf and get it filled. The druggist will

-understand what is wanted. You may also get

-me a box of rheumatic pills."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I will go at once."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You will want money. Look in the box on

-yonder shelf, and select a gold piece. Pay for

-the articles and bring back the change."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark went to the shelf, and in a square wooden

-box found a collection of gold and silver coins

-from which he selected a five-dollar gold piece.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have taken five dollars," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you not afraid to leave this money so exposed

-while you are sick and helpless?" Mark

-ventured to inquire.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have no visitors," answered old Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But you might have. Some tramp——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is true. Perhaps it would be well to

-provide for that contingency. Will you take it

-all, and take care of it for me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark regarded the old man with surprise.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What—take it away with me?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes. I shall have to employ you as my man

-of business till I get better. I will speak with

-you about it further when you return with the

-medicines."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know how much there is here?"

-asked Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; you may count it, if you like."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark did so and announced as the result of his

-count, "Twenty-nine dollars and thirty cents."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well! You may keep an account of

-what you expend for me," said the old man, indifferently.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He seems to put a good deal of confidence in

-me," Mark reflected, with some satisfaction.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is there nothing else you want in the village?"

-Mark asked, as he prepared to go.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You may bring me a loaf of fresh bread and

-a quart of milk, if it will not be too much trouble.

-You will find a tin measure for the milk on the

-shelf."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Here it is, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If you would like something nourishing—some

-meat, for instance—I can get my mother to

-cook you some," continued Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not to-day. Another day I may avail myself

-of your kind offer. You are very kind—to a poor

-recluse."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid you don't pass a very pleasant

-life," said Mark. "I should be miserable if I

-lived alone in the woods, like you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No doubt, no doubt. You are young and

-life opens before you bright and cheerful. As for

-me, I have lived my life. For me no prospect

-opens but the grave. Why, indeed, should I

-seek to prolong this miserable life?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark hardly knew how to answer him. He

-could not enter into the old man's morbid feelings.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will be back soon," he said as he left the

-cabin.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch03' class='c007'>CHAPTER III. <br /> A TIMELY RESCUE.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark Manning</span> left the cabin and made his

-way as quickly as possible to the edge of the

-wood. He hadn't got over his wonder at the

-hermit's commission and singular confidence in

-him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It seems strange," he said to himself, "to

-have so much money in my pocket. Nearly

-thirty dollars! I wonder whether I shall ever

-have as much of my own?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In truth, thirty dollars seemed a much larger

-sum to our hero, brought up in a hand to hand

-struggle with poverty, than it would have appeared

-if he had been ten years older.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He must have more money," thought Mark,

-"or he would not care so little for this sum as to

-trust it all to me. How does he know that I

-will prove honest?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Nevertheless it was a satisfaction to Mark to

-reflect that old Anthony was justified in his confidence.

-Had the sum been ten times as large, he

-would not have been tempted to retain any of it

-for his own use.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He kept on his way to the drug store, and

-asked for the medicines already referred to.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is your mother sick?" asked the druggist,

-who was very well acquainted with Mark and his

-family.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir," answered Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, then it is you who are rheumatic," said

-the druggist jokingly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wrong again," answered Mark. "I am

-buying the medicines for old Anthony."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then he is sick? That accounts for his not

-having appeared in the village for several days."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Thereupon Mark described his chance visit to

-the cabin, and the condition in which he had

-found the hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"These remedies will do him good," said the

-druggist, "if he is otherwise kept comfortable.

-A strange man is old Anthony!" he continued

-musingly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark produced a gold piece, from which he requested

-the druggist to take pay for the articles

-purchased.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did the hermit give you this?" asked the

-druggist.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark answered in the affirmative.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then it is evident he is not without means.

-However, I might have known that. During the

-years that he has lived in the wood, he has

-always been prompt in his payments for all articles

-purchased in the village. His expenditures are

-small, to be sure, but in five years they have

-amounted to considerable."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What could have induced him to settle in

-such a lonely spot?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is more than any one hereabouts can

-tell. He is very secretive, and never says anything

-about himself."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>By this time Mark was ready to return. He

-went to the grocery store, where he obtained the

-milk and loaf of bread, which he had also been

-commissioned to procure. Then he set out for

-old Anthony's lonely cabin.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Before doing so, he heard something from the

-grocer that aroused his curiosity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There was a man in here only twenty minutes

-since," said the storekeeper, "who was asking

-after Anthony."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Was it a stranger?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes. It was a man I never saw before. He

-was a stout, broad-shouldered man with a bronzed

-face, who looked as if he might be a sailor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did he say who he was?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Only that Anthony was a relation of his, and

-that he had not seen him for years."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did he say he meant to call upon him?" asked

-Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He did not say so, but as he inquired particularly

-for the location of the cabin, I took it for

-granted that this was his intention."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then probably I shall see him, as I am going

-directly back to the wood."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He will probably be there unless he loses his

-way."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Leaving Mark to return by the same way he

-came, we will precede him, and make acquaintance

-with the man who had excited the grocer's

-curiosity by inquiring for the old hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony lay on his pallet waiting for the

-return of Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I like the boy," he said to himself. "He has

-an honest face. He looks manly and straightforward.

-He has never joined the other village boys

-in jeering. If my nephew had been like him he

-might have been a comfort to me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The old man sighed. What thoughts passed

-through his mind were known only to him; but

-that they were sad ones seemed clear from the

-expression of his face.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Time passed as he lay quiet. Then he heard a

-noise at the door and the step of one entering the

-cabin.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is that you, Mark?" he inquired.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>There was a pause. Then a harsh voice answered:

-"No; it isn't Mark, whoever he may

-be. It is some one who ought to be nearer to you

-than he."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony started in evident excitement, and

-by an effort managed to turn round his head so

-as to see the intruder.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>His eyes rested on a man rather above the

-middle height, shabbily clad, with a dark face

-and threatening expression.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Lyman Taylor!" he exclaimed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, Lyman Taylor," returned the other,

-mockingly. "Are you glad to see your nephew?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Heaven knows I am not!" said old Anthony

-bitterly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I judged from your expression. Yet they

-say blood is thicker than water."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That there is any tie of blood between us I

-regret deeply. A man more utterly unworthy I

-have never known."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Come, Uncle Anthony, isn't that a little

-strong. I am no angel——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are a worthless scoundrel," said the

-hermit bitterly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Look here, old man," said his nephew fiercely,

-"I didn't come here to be insulted and called bad

-names. Considering that you are alone and in

-my power, it is a little impertinent in you to talk

-in that way. I might kill you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are quite capable of it," said Anthony.

-"Do so, if you choose. Life is not a possession

-that I greatly prize."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have a great mind to take you at your

-word," said Taylor coolly, "but it wouldn't suit

-my purpose. Your death would do me no good

-unless you have made me your heir. I am desperately

-in need of money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Work for it, then!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you! You are very kind; but employers

-are rather shy of me. I have no recommendations

-to offer. I don't mind telling you

-that I have spent the last four years in prison."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A very suitable place for you," said the old

-man in a caustic tone.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you again! You are complimentary."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"This is the reason why you have not found

-me out before?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Precisely. You don't suppose I would otherwise

-have kept away from you so long, my most

-affectionate uncle!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you recall the circumstances of our last

-parting? I awoke in California to find myself

-robbed of the large sum of money I had with me.

-Of course, you took it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't mind owning that I did. But I

-haven't a cent of it left."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That I can easily believe. Why have you

-sought me out?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I want more money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I supposed. You can judge from my way

-of living whether I am likely to have any for

-you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't appear to be living in luxury.

-However, it costs something to keep body and

-soul together even in this den. Of course, you

-have some money. However little it is, I want

-it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you will be disappointed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where do you keep your money?" demanded

-Lyman Taylor, roughly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Even if I had any. I wouldn't tell you!"

-said the brave old man.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Look here, old man, no trifling! Either you

-will find some money for me, or I will choke

-you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He got down on one knee and stooped menacingly

-over the hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>At that moment Mark Manning, who had returned

-from his errand, reached the doorway,

-and stood a surprised and indignant witness of

-this exciting scene.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony struggled, but ineffectually in

-the grasp of the ruffian who had attacked him.

-Even if he had not been disabled by disease he

-would not have been a match for Lyman Taylor,

-who was at least twenty-five years younger.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't touch me, you scoundrel!" said Anthony,

-whose spirit exceeded his bodily strength.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then tell me where you keep your money!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That I will not do!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then I'll see if I can't find a way to make

-you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>As he spoke the young man grabbed the hermit

-by the throat. He concluded too hastily

-that old Anthony was in his power. He was destined

-to a surprise.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let the old man alone!" cried Mark, indignantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor looked up in surprise and some

-alarm. But when he saw that the words proceeded

-from a boy, he laughed derisively.</p>

-

-<div  class='figcenter id001'>

-<img src='images/p022.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />

-<div class='ic002'>

-<p>Mark dropped his bundles, and taking the musket pointed it<br />at the ruffian, saying: "Let go, or I will shoot."</p>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mind your own business, you young bantam,

-or I'll wring your neck!" he said contemptuously.

-"Now, let me know where you keep your money,"

-he said, turning once more to the old man, and

-preparing to choke him into an avowal of his

-secret.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let go, instantly, or I will shoot!" exclaimed

-Mark, now thoroughly aroused.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Once more the ruffian turned, and this time

-his countenance changed, for Mark, boyish but

-resolute, had dropped his bundles, and had the

-musket pointed directly at him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Taylor rose to his feet suddenly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Take care, there!" he said, nervously. "Put

-down that gun!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then leave old Anthony alone!" returned

-Mark, resolutely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you my uncle's guardian?" demanded

-Lyman, with a sneer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If he is your uncle, the more shame to you

-to treat him brutally!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I didn't come here to be lectured by a boy,"

-said Taylor, angrily. "Put down that gun!"</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch04' class='c007'>CHAPTER IV. <br /> THE HERMIT EXPLAINS.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> did not obey directly, but turning to the

-hermit said, "Do you want this man to leave the

-cabin?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the old man, "but beware of

-him! He is all that is bad!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A pretty recommendation to come from your

-uncle," said Taylor, sullenly. "Uncle Anthony,

-I ask you once more to give me money. I am

-penniless, and am a desperate man."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There is no money in this cabin, and you

-would search for it in vain, but if you will promise

-to leave this place and trouble me no more, I

-will provide you with five dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What are five dollars?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All that you will get. Do you make the

-promise?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, yes—"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark, you may give this man five dollars on

-my account."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is he your treasurer!" inquired Taylor, in

-surprise.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He has charge of some funds out of which he

-buys me what I need."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How much money have you got of my uncle's,

-boy?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't care to answer the question. Ask

-your uncle."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A small sum only. It won't be worth your

-while, Lyman, to plot for its possession."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you no other money?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"None that you are likely to get hold of.

-I will save you the trouble of searching the cabin,

-or prowling round it, by repeating that I have

-no money concealed here. You know me well

-enough to know that I am not deceiving you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor listened in sullen disappointment.

-He did know that his uncle's word could

-be relied upon implicitly, and that the hopes which

-he had built up of securing a large fund from the

-uncle he had once robbed, were not destined to be

-realized.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It seems you are a pauper, then," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have not been compelled to ask for charity

-yet," answered Anthony. "I live here for next

-to nothing, and have not suffered yet for the

-necessities of life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor looked around him contemptuously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You must have a sweet time living here," he

-said, "in this lonely old cabin."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would not exchange it for the place in which

-you confess that you have passed the last four

-years."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Taylor frowned, but did not otherwise notice

-the old man's retort.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Give me the five dollars, boy," he said, "and

-I will go. It seems I am wasting time here."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark drew a gold piece from his pocket and

-passed it to him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you many more of these?" he demanded,

-his eyes gleaming with cupidity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Give me another."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They are not mine to give."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not another one, Mark," said Anthony.

-"He does not deserve even that."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Make way, then, and I will go," said the

-nephew, convinced that he had no more to expect.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark moved aside, and he strode out of the

-cabin.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good-bye, Uncle Anthony," he said. "You

-haven't treated me very generously, considering

-how long it is since you did anything for me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you utterly shameless, Lyman?" said

-the hermit. "I hope never to set eyes on you

-again."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, you are very kind. Boy, what

-is your name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, Mark, as you appear to be in charge of

-my uncle, I shall be glad to have you write me if

-anything happens to him. As his nearest relative

-and heir, I ought to be notified."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark looked to the hermit for directions.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Give him your address, Lyman," said Anthony.

-"If there is any news to interest you,

-he shall write. But don't calculate on my speedy

-death. It is hardly likely to benefit you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I may want to visit your grave, uncle," said

-Lyman, jeeringly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Give him an address where a letter will

-reach you then."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No. —— Third Avenue, New York," said

-Taylor. "Write soon."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He left the cabin, and old Anthony and Mark

-were alone.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He is my nearest relative," said the old man,

-"and a relative to be proud of, eh, Mark?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Years since we were in California together,

-I had two thousand dollars in gold dust under

-my pillow. My nephew was my companion, but

-none of the gold belonged to him. I woke one

-morning to find my nephew gone, and my gold

-also. From that time I have not set eyes on him

-till to-day."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was a shabby trick," said Mark, warmly.

-"Were you left destitute?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So far as money went, yes. But I was the

-owner of a claim which my nephew thought exhausted.

-I resumed work on it, and three days

-later made a valuable find. Within a month I

-took out ten thousand dollars, and sold it for five

-thousand more."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Your nephew does not know this, does he?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; if he had, I should not have got rid of

-him so easily. But I have not told you all. I

-remained in California a year longer, and left it

-worth forty thousand dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then why—excuse me for asking—have you

-come to this poor cabin to live?" asked Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I had one other relative than Lyman, a

-daughter—I left her at a boarding-school in Connecticut.

-I returned to find that she had married

-an adventurer a month previous. Two years

-later I heard of her death. Life had lost its

-charm for me. I would not deprive myself of

-it, but in a fit of misanthropy I buried myself

-here."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony seemed weary, and Mark questioned

-him no more, but set before him the milk

-and loaf which he had brought with him.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch05' class='c007'>CHAPTER V. <br /> LYMAN TAYLOR MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>On</span> leaving the cabin Mark promised to call

-again the next afternoon, bringing from the village

-such articles as Anthony might require.

-This he could readily do as the shoe manufactory

-was not running full time.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will see that you are paid for your trouble,"

-said the hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That will be all right," said Mark, cheerfully.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am able to pay you, and will employ you

-only on that condition," persisted Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall not object to that part of the bargain,"

-said Mark, smiling. "Money never comes amiss

-to me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have plenty of money, though I would not

-admit it to my nephew," continued the sick man.

-"He would persecute me till I bought him off.

-Fortunately he thinks I am poor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But," said Mark, "suppose he should come

-back. Would not your money be in danger?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He would find none here. I do not keep any

-in this cabin. I did have some, but it is in your

-hands."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shall I not return it to you, sir?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; I prefer that you should keep it. You

-will be using money for me daily, and for the

-present you shall be my treasurer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am very much obliged to you for reposing

-so much confidence in me," said Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I trust you entirely. You have an honest

-face."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir. I will endeavor to deserve

-your confidence."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It was past four o'clock when Mark left the

-cabin and started on his way homeward. He

-walked along thoughtfully, carrying his gun

-over his shoulder.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It seems I have a near friend," he reflected;

-"and one who may be of service to me. Now

-that the shop is no longer running full time, it

-will be convenient to earn a little extra money,

-old Anthony must be rich, judging from what he

-said about his success in California."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark could not help wondering where the hermit

-kept his money. But for Anthony's positive

-assurance, he would have conjectured that he

-kept it somewhere concealed about the cabin,

-but that being left out of the question he was

-at a loss to fix upon any probable place of

-deposit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Leaving Mark for a brief time; we go back to

-the other two young hunters, from whom he had

-separated two hours before.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't like that boy," said James Collins.

-"He puts on too many airs for a poor boy. I

-suppose he will be crowing over his successful

-shot."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very likely," chimed in his companion, who

-made it a point to flatter James by agreeing with

-everything he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was only a lucky accident," continued

-James. "He couldn't do it again."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course not. I don't think he is really as

-good a shot as you or I."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You can hardly class yourself with me," said

-James egotistically. "However. I agree with

-you that he is inferior to you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Quick, James!" said Tom Wyman. "There

-is a squirrel—shoot! I'll give you the first

-chance."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James pulled the trigger, but the squirrel was

-not destined to fall by his hands. He scampered

-away, looking back saucily at the baffled young

-hunter.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Was ever anything more provoking?" asked

-James in evident chagrin.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Later in the afternoon when the two boys were

-slowly strolling homewards, they saw a strange

-man issuing from the woods. It was Lyman

-Taylor, returned from his only partially successful

-visit to his uncle.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He waited till the boys came up.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good afternoon, young gentlemen," he said

-by way of greeting.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good afternoon," returned James stiffly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He doubted whether the newcomer was a man

-whom it was worth while to notice.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What luck have you had? I see you have

-been out hunting."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We didn't shoot anything we thought worth

-bringing home," said Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I met another boy out with a gun. Perhaps

-he is a friend of yours."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James and Tom exchanged glances. They understood

-very well that Mark Manning was meant.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I know the boy you met," said James.

-"It is a poor boy who works in my father's manufactory."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What is his name?" asked Lyman Taylor.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does he live in the village?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; his mother is a poor widow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where did you meet him?" asked Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"At a cabin in the woods."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony's?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; the hermit is an uncle of mine."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The two boys regarded the speaker with interest.

-All the villagers had some curiosity about the

-man who had settled so near them.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What is his name?" inquired Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You called him old Anthony," said Lyman,

-smiling. "That is his name."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But his other name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"His last name is Taylor, I have not seen him

-before for five years. Does he often come into

-the village?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About twice a week."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose he comes to buy food?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; I suppose so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does he appear to be provided with money?"

-asked Taylor with some eagerness.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I believe so," replied Tom. "He has

-sometimes come into our place—father is the postmaster—to

-get a gold piece changed. But I don't

-suppose he has much money. It doesn't cost him

-much to live."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does he ever get any letters—as your father

-is postmaster, you can probably tell."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't think so; my father has never mentioned

-it, and I think he would if any had been

-received."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What sort of a boy is this Mark Manning?"

-asked Taylor abruptly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't think much of him," answered James.

-"He is poor and proud. He is only a pegger in

-our shop, but he puts on airs with the best."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think he is honest?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The two boys looked surprised; that question

-had never occurred to them.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What makes you ask?" inquired James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Only that he has in his possession a sum of

-money belonging to my uncle."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did he tell you so? did you see it?" were the

-questions quickly asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I met him at my uncle's cabin. My uncle

-owed me a small sum, and instead of paying me

-himself, he asked this boy to pay me. The boy

-took the money from his pocket, and handed it

-to me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Both boys were surprised.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I didn't know he had anything to do with the

-hermit," said Tom. "Did you, James?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; but then I don't trouble myself about

-Mark Manning's affairs."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor regarded James shrewdly, he

-had no difficulty in detecting the boy's dislike towards

-Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Excuse my troubling you with questions,

-young gentlemen," he said. "My uncle is a

-simple-minded old man, and it would be easy to

-rob him, though I fancy he hasn't much money.

-This boy Mark appeared to me an artful young

-rogue, who might very probably cheat him out of

-the small sum he has."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I never saw the two together," said Tom,

-musingly. "Old Anthony has generally paid his

-bills himself."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He is sick just now, and perhaps that accounts

-for it. The boy Mark has been making

-purchases for him in the village. However, I

-must leave the place, as important business calls

-me elsewhere. Since you," addressing Tom,

-"are the postmaster's son, may I ask a favor of

-you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If my uncle should die, can I trouble you to

-send me a note informing me, as I should feel

-called upon, as his only relative, to see that he

-was properly buried."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I will write you, if you will leave

-me your address."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor gave Tom the same address he

-had already given Mark. He then bade the boys

-good-bye, and walked on.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Uncle Anthony <i>may</i> have some money," he

-soliloquized, "and if he dies, I shall see if I can

-find it. I am pretty sure to hear through one of

-the boys."</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch06' class='c007'>CHAPTER VI. <br /> A TRAGEDY IN THE PASTURE.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>On</span> their way home the two boys had occasion

-to cross a pasture belonging to Deacon Miller, an

-old farmer whose house and barn were about a

-furlong distant on a rising ground.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They sauntered along in single file. James

-had a careless way of carrying his gun, which

-made some of the boys unwilling to accompany

-him, unless it was unloaded. Tom had two or

-three times cautioned him on this very afternoon,

-but James did not receive his remonstrance in

-good part.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't trouble yourself so much about my gun,

-Tom Wyman," he said. "I guess I know how

-to carry my gun as well as you do."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't doubt that in the least, James, but

-you must admit that you handle it rather carelessly.

-Some of the boys don't like to go hunting

-with you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then they are cowards. I never shot any

-boy yet," answered James, with some heat.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, but you might."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are making a great deal of fuss about

-nothing. I didn't think you were so timid."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know that I am particularly timid,

-but I shouldn't like to be riddled with shot," returned

-Tom, good-humoredly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you'd better get your life insured when

-you go out with me next," sneered James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know but I shall," said Tom, declining

-to take offense.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>For a very brief period James carried his gun

-more carefully. Then he forgot his caution, and

-in transferring his gun from one shoulder to the

-other somehow he touched the hammer, and the

-gun was discharged.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It was most unfortunate, but when the gun

-went off it was pointed directly at a white-faced

-cow belonging to Deacon Miller.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The small shot penetrated both the poor animal's

-eyes, and with a moan of anguish the cow

-sank to the ground.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Both boys stared in dismay at the victim of

-carelessness.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There, you've gone and done it now, James,"

-said Tom. "You've shot Deacon Miller's cow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't see how I happened to do it," stammered

-James, really frightened.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I told you not to carry your gun so carelessly."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You told me! Of course you want to get

-me into trouble about this!" exclaimed James,

-irritably.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I don't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then," said James, quickly, "don't say a

-word about it. We'll get home as soon as we can,

-and won't know anything about it. Mum's the

-word!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course I'll be mum, but it will be known

-that we have been out with guns this afternoon."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So has Mark Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James looked significantly at Tom, and Tom

-understood.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Poor Mark was to bear the blame for a deed he

-didn't do, and all to screen James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's mean!" Tom said to himself, "but I

-can't go back on James. I want to keep in with

-him, and I suppose I must consent."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well?" demanded James, impatiently.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It won't come out through me," answered

-Tom, but not with alacrity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And if Mark is accused you won't say anything?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"N-o!" said Tom, slowly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then let us put for home!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James suited the action to the word, and the

-two boys hurried across the pasture, never venturing

-to look back at the suffering animal.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Fifteen minutes later, when James and Tom

-were already at home, Mark Manning entered

-the narrow foot-path that led across the pasture.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He was immersed in thought, the hermit and

-his strange experience at the cabin being the subject

-of his reflections, when he heard a pitiful

-moaning, not far from him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Looking up he observed that it proceeded from

-old Whitey, as the deacon was accustomed to call

-his favorite cow.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What's the matter with you, old Whitey?"

-said Mark, who was always moved by distress,

-whether in man or beast.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Coming nearer, he was not long left in doubt.

-The nature of the injury which the poor cow had

-received was evident to him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Poor old Whitey!" he said, pitifully. "Who

-has shot you in this cruel manner?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The sole answer was a moan of anguish from

-the stricken animal.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid she will have to be killed!"

-thought Mark, sadly. "It is only torture for

-her to live with this injury, and of course there

-is no cure."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He was still standing beside the cow, gun in

-hand, when a harsh voice became audible.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Looking up, he saw the deacon but four rods

-distant.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Deacon Miller was an old man, of giant form,

-and harsh, irregular features. He was a very

-unpopular man in the neighborhood, and deservedly

-so. He had made home so disagreeable

-that his only son had gone away fifteen years

-before, and the deacon had never heard from him

-since.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What have you been doin' to my cow?" he

-demanded, in a still harsher tone.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nothing, Deacon Miller," answered Mark,

-calmly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't mean to tell me the critter's makin'

-all this fuss for nothin', do you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; the poor animal has been shot."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Has been what?" snarled the deacon.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shot! Shot in the face, and I am afraid its

-eyes are put out," replied Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Old Whitey shot in the eye," repeated the

-deacon, in a fury. "Then it's you that did

-it."</p>

-

-<div  class='figcenter id001'>

-<img src='images/p042.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />

-<div class='ic002'>

-<p>"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?" said the deacon, coming up to him.</p>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are mistaken, sir," said Mark, with dignity.

-"I have just come up, and this is the condition

-in which I found Whitey."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What's that you are carryin' in your hand?"

-demanded the deacon, sternly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My gun."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad you are willin' to tell the truth. I

-didn't know but you'd say it was a hoe," exploded

-the deacon in angry irony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Your cow has received no injury from my

-gun, if that's what you're hinting at, Deacon

-Miller."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let me take the gun!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In some surprise Mark put it into his hands.

-The deacon raised it, and pulled the trigger.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>No report was heard. The gun was not loaded.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just what I thought," said the deacon, triumphantly.

-"If it had been loaded, I might

-have thought you told me the truth. Now I know

-as well as I want to that you shot my cow in the

-face with it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I assure you, Deacon Miller," said Mark, earnestly,

-beginning to comprehend the extent to

-which he was implicated, although innocent. "I

-assure you, Deacon Miller, that I have had nothing

-to do with harming poor Whitey."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Anyway, I shall hold you responsible, and I

-reckon you'll have hard work to prove yourself

-innocent," said the deacon, grimly. "I ain't going

-to lose a forty-five dollar cow, and say nothin'

-about it. You jest tell your mother when

-you go home to see about raisin' forty-five dollars

-to make up old Whitey's loss. As she's a poor

-widder I'll give her thirty days to do it in. Do

-you hear?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, Deacon Miller, I hear, but I repeat that

-I didn't harm your cow, and I shan't pay you a

-cent."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We'll see!" was the only answer the deacon

-gave, nodding his head with emphasis.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Poor Mark! he had never felt so miserable, as

-he plodded slowly home. He was innocent, but

-circumstances were against him, and the deacon

-was implacable.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch07' class='c007'>CHAPTER VII. <br /> MARK AT HOME.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> home was a small cottage of a story

-and a half, surmounted by a sloping roof. It was

-plainly furnished, but looked comfortable. His

-mother was a pleasant looking woman of middle

-age, who managed well their scanty income, consisting

-chiefly of Mark's earnings.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you not later than usual, Mark?" she

-inquired.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, mother; I went out gunning, and did

-an errand for old Anthony, who is laid up with

-the rheumatism in his cabin."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Poor man! I hope he won't suffer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thanks to me, he probably will not."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What can you do for him, Mark? You have

-no money to spare."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Haven't I, mother?" asked Mark, with a

-smile, as he drew from his pocket a large handful

-of silver and gold.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you say to that?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, Mark! I hope you came honestly by

-that money," said the widow, nervously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I haven't been robbing a bank, if that's what

-you mean, mother. I couldn't very well, as there

-is none within ten miles."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then, Mark, where did the money come

-from?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It belongs to old Anthony. He asked me to

-take charge of it, as I shall need to be buying

-things for him in the village for a few days to

-come."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"For mercy's sake, be careful of it, Mark, as,

-if you lost it, we couldn't make up the loss."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll look after that. In fact, I think it will

-be safer with me than with the owner. If

-any dishonest person should enter his cabin, he

-could not help being robbed in his present condition."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That would be very unfortunate, as the old

-man is probably very poor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was about to undeceive his mother, but,

-reflecting that Lyman Taylor might still be in the

-village, he thought it not prudent to betray the

-hermit's secret.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I heard a report to-day, Mark," said his

-mother, as she was setting the supper table, "that

-the shoe-shop was to be closed for a month."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope not," said Mark, startled. "That

-would be serious for us."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And for others too, Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes. It isn't as if there were other employments

-open, but there is absolutely nothing, unless

-I could get a chance to do some farm work."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps Deacon Miller may need a boy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He's about the last man I would work for.

-He wouldn't pay me a cent."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why not, Mark? He wouldn't expect you

-to work for nothing."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He claims that I owe him forty-five dollars,

-and would expect me to work it out."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you mean, Mark? How can you

-owe the deacon forty-five dollars?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't, but he claims I do."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark then told his mother the story of the cow.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Deacon Miller expects me to pay for it," he

-concluded, "but I think he'll have to take it out

-in expecting."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, Mark, I am afraid this will lead to serious

-trouble," said Mrs. Manning, looking distressed.

-"He may go to law about it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He can't make me pay for the damage somebody

-else did, mother."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But if he makes out that you shot the

-cow?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I won't trouble about it. It might spoil my

-appetite for supper. I've got a healthy appetite

-to-night, mother."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Your story has taken away mine, Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't worry, mother; it will all come right."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid worrying comes natural to me,

-Mark. I've seen more trouble than you have,

-my son."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Forget it all till supper is over, mother."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Supper was scarcely over when a knock was

-heard at the door, and John Downie entered.

-He was a boy of Scotch descent, and lived near

-by.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How are you, Johnny," said Mark, "won't

-you have some supper?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mark, I've had some. Have you

-heard about Deacon Miller's cow?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What about her?" asked Mark, eagerly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You know old Whitey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Her eyes are put out by an accidental discharge

-of a gun, and I guess she will have to be

-killed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know who shot her?" asked Mark,

-with intense interest.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do, but the deacon doesn't," answered

-John.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who was it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"James Collins. He and Tom Wyman were

-coming through the pasture, when James, in

-handling his gun awkwardly, managed to discharge

-it full in poor Whitey's face."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How do you know it was James?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because I saw it. I was in the next field and

-saw it all."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did the boys see you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; they hurried away as fast as they could

-go."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Johnny, you're a trump!" exclaimed Mark,

-rising and shaking the boy's hand vigorously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why am I a trump?" asked Johnny, astonished.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because your testimony will clear me. The

-deacon charges me with shooting the cow, and

-wants me to pay forty-five dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Gosh!" exclaimed Johnny. "But what

-makes him think you shot old Whitey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark briefly explained.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But," said Mrs. Manning, "surely James

-Collins would not permit you to suffer for his

-fault?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't know James, mother. That's just

-what he would do, I feel sure. What do you say,

-Johnny?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Jim Collins is just mean enough to do it,"

-answered John.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He can't do it now, however. Mr. Collins is

-abundantly able to pay for the cow, and I guess

-he'll have to."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know how we could ever have paid so

-large a sum," said the widow.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We shan't have to, mother, that's one comfort."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There's the deacon coming!" exclaimed

-Johnny, suddenly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So he is! Johnny, just run into the kitchen,

-and I'll call you when you're wanted. We'll have

-some fun. Mother, don't say a word till we hear

-what the deacon has to say."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>By this time the deacon had knocked. Mrs.

-Manning admitted him, and he entered with a

-preliminary cough.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are your family well, deacon?" asked the

-mother.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They're middlin', widder, which is a comfort.

-Families are often a source of trouble," and here

-the deacon glanced sharply at Mark, who, rather

-to his surprise, looked cool and composed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That may be, Deacon Miller, but I am thankful

-that Mark never gives me any trouble."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't be too sure of that, ma'am," said the

-deacon, grimly. "It's about that very thing I've

-come here now. Your son has shot my most

-valuable cow, old Whitey, and I regret to say,

-widder, that he'll have to make it good for me.

-Forty-five dollars is what the critter is worth,

-and I wouldn't have taken that for her."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you sure Mark shot your cow?" asked

-Mrs. Manning.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"As sure as I need to be. I caught him standin'

-by the cow with his gun in his hand. The

-barrel was empty, for I tried it to see."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What have you to say to this charge, Mark?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That Deacon Miller is mistaken. I did not

-shoot his cow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I reckon you'll have to pay for it all the same.

-Mark Manning. I don't want to be hard on a

-poor widder, but it stands to reason that I should

-be paid for my cow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I agree to that," said Mark, "but I'm not

-the one."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mebbe the cow shot herself!" said the deacon,

-sarcastically. "It may be nat'ral for cows

-to commit suicide, but I never saw one do it as

-far as I can remember. Young man, your story

-is too thin."</p>

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch08' class='c007'>CHAPTER VIII. <br /> DEACON MILLER GETS A CLUE.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> was forced to smile at the idea of old

-Whitey committing suicide. The deacon observed

-his smile, and it provoked him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you mean to say, Mark Manning, that

-you think the critter shot herself in the face?"

-he demanded, sharply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, Deacon Miller, I have no such idea."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's the same as admittin' that you shot

-her," said the deacon, triumphantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, it isn't, deacon. I didn't shoot her, but I

-have no doubt some one else did."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It may have been the cat," remarked the deacon,

-with a return to sarcasm.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was probably a two-legged cat," said

-Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Jest my idee!" remarked the deacon, quickly,

-"An' that brings it home to you. You was

-out with a gun, an' I caught you standin' beside

-the cow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"As to catching me," returned Mark, "there

-was no catching about it. I was crossing the

-pasture, and was attracted by the poor animal's

-moans. That is the way I happened to be near

-when you came up."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That all sounds very smooth," said the deacon,

-impatiently, "but if you didn't shoot the

-cow, who did?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think that question can be answered, Deacon

-Miller; John Downie!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>To the deacon's surprise, John came into the

-room at this summons.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Johnny," said Mark, "will you tell the deacon

-who shot his cow!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't like to tell," objected John; "it wasn't

-done on purpose."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you do it?" queried the deacon, sharply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, <i>sir</i>. I never fired a gun in my life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who did it, then?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Must I tell, Mark?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, Johnny; Deacon Miller has a right to

-know; even if it was not done on purpose, the

-one who did it ought to make good the loss."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's where you speak sense, Mark," said

-the deacon, approvingly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then it was Jim Collins."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"James Collins—the squire's son!" repeated

-the deacon, astonished.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>John proceeded to tell the story once more.

-The deacon, it is needless to say, listened very

-attentively.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So the boys run away, did they?" he inquired,

-grimly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I s'pose you'd have run away, too, if you

-had done it, hey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps I might," answered John, ingenuously.

-"I s'pose they were scared."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll scare 'em," growled the deacon. "Squire

-Collins is able to make up the loss to me, and I

-mean he shall." Then, with a momentary suspicion,

-"This ain't a story you an' Mark have

-got up between you, to get him off, is it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will answer that, Deacon Miller," said Mark

-firmly. "If I had shot your cow, I wouldn't

-have run away, but I'd have gone right to you

-and told you about it, and I'd have paid you just

-as soon as I could."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's right, that's right," said the deacon,

-approvingly, beginning to regard Mark with

-more favor. "Well, I must go and see the squire.

-Here, you John Downie, come along with me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've got to go home," said John.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But I can't prove it without you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You can tell the squire that I saw it done,

-and am ready to swear to it, if he wants me to."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mebbe that'll do if I send for you, you'll

-come, hey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The deacon did not feel disposed to postpone

-what he regarded as important business, and he

-left the cottage, taking the shortest direction to

-the squire's more imposing dwelling. We will

-precede him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James Collins and his friend, as already described,

-ran away as fast as their legs could carry

-them, when they ascertained what damage had

-been done.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>No one, so far as they knew, had seen them,

-and they hoped to escape, scot free.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom accompanied James home, and stayed to

-supper. After supper the boys went out, and

-had a conference together.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James felt a little nervous, though he believed

-that he was safe from incurring suspicion.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wonder if the deacon has found old Whitey

-yet?" said James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I guess so," answered Tom. "He usually

-goes after the cows before this."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wonder how he'll think it happened?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Maybe he'll lay it to Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James was not very much disturbed at this

-supposition.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That would be a good joke!" he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not for Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark can take care of himself. He was out

-with a gun as well as we."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"His mother couldn't afford to pay for the

-cow," said Tom, who was rather more considerate

-than his companion.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's none of my business. And, Tom,

-there's something I want to say to you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Go ahead!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If Mark is accused, don't you go to saying it's

-a mistake. Remember it's none of your business."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom looked uncomfortable, having some conscience.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It would be rough on a poor woman like Mrs.

-Manning having to pay for the deacon's cow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're mighty considerate, Tom. You might

-consider me a little. If it were known that I

-shot the cow, father would make me pay at least

-half the bill out of my money in the savings' bank.

-I thought you were my friend!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I am."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you won't betray me. As for Mark, the

-deacon can't prove it against him, so he won't

-have to pay."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then the deacon will lose his cow, and get no

-pay."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He can afford it. He's a stingy old lunks,

-anyway."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's true enough."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And it won't ruin him if he does lose the cow.

-He's able to buy another."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It struck Tom, though he was not over conscientious,

-that this was not exactly the way to

-regard the matter, but he did not like to offend

-James, and he had ventured to oppose him more

-than usual already. So he remained silent.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James was not quite satisfied with his friend.

-He was not altogether sure of his fidelity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've got only one thing to say, Tom," he

-added. "If you go back on me, and breathe a

-word of what happened in the pasture, I'll never

-speak to you again as long as I live."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who's going back on you? did I say I was?"

-demanded Tom rather irritably.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All right, then; I only wanted to have the

-thing understood between us, I didn't really think

-you would be mean enough to tell."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>So a satisfactory understanding was established

-between the two boys, and it looked as if Mark

-was likely to be the victim of their alliance.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>But just when James was beginning to feel

-secure, he was startled by an apparition just

-looming in sight on the highway. It was not a

-formidable figure—that of Deacon Miller—but

-under the circumstances James turned pale and

-his heart began to beat.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Tom," he gasped; "isn't that Deacon Miller

-coming up the road?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's the deacon sure enough!" answered Tom,

-looking disconcerted.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think he's coming here?" queried

-James nervously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Looks like it?" muttered Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think he can have——heard anything?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he heard that we were out with

-guns?" suggested Tom. "He may have come

-to make inquiries."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just so, now, Tom, be careful not to look as

-if there was anything the matter. We'll be extra

-polite to the old fellow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All right!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He may not be coming here after all."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>But he was! arrived at the gate Deacon Miller

-paused, and opening it entered the front yard.

-He looked sharply at the two boys who were

-standing on the lawn.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch09' class='c007'>CHAPTER IX. <br /> THE DEACON'S MISSION.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Ordinarily</span> James would not have considered

-Deacon Miller worth any polite attention, but

-the knowledge of what had happened in the pasture

-had its effect upon him. He thought it

-necessary by a little attention to disarm the deacon's

-suspicions if he had any.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good evening, Deacon Miller," he said politely.

-"Did you wish to see father?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wal," said the deacon deliberately. "I have

-a little business with him. Is he at home?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am pretty sure he is," answered James.

-"Come in with me, and I'll see."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The deacon smiled—an inscrutable smile—and

-followed James, who opened the front door and

-led him into the parlor.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're very obligin'," he said. "I had no

-idea you was so polite."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is the duty of a gentleman to be polite!"

-said James loftily.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So 'tis, so 'tis!" returned the old man chuckling

-in an unaccountable manner. "I'm glad

-you think so. It's a great thing to be a boy, I

-had lots of fun when I was a boy. So do you,

-hey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh yes," answered James indifferently. "But

-not as much as I could have in the city."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But you couldn't go huntin' and fishin' in the

-city," said the deacon slyly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James' heart gave a bound. What did the disagreeable

-old man mean? was it possible that he

-suspected?</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't care much for either," he said. "But

-I'll go and call father."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Presently the squire appeared and invited Deacon

-Miller into the back room, which was used

-as the family dining and sitting-room.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Glad to see, you, deacon," said Mr. Collins,

-who, having political aspirations, thought it worth

-while to be polite to his neighbors.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I ain't so sure of that, squire, when you know

-what I come about," returned the deacon with a

-crafty smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No bad news, I hope, deacon."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wal, it ain't good news. You know my cow,

-old Whitey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well?" interrogated the squire, looking puzzled.

-He had heard nothing as yet of the accident

-in the pasture.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She was shot in the face this afternoon—her

-eyes totally destroyed. I shall have to kill her."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's a pity! I sympathize with you, deacon.

-It must be a great disappointment to you. She

-was a good milker, wasn't she?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Fust-rate! I never had a cow that could beat

-her. She was worth fifty dollars easy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very likely," said the squire, innocently, quite

-unaware of the trap which the wily deacon was

-preparing for him. It will be observed that the

-deacon, finding he had a case against a rich man,

-had concluded to raise the value of the cow by

-five dollars. "Fifty dollars is a considerable loss."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So 'tis, but I haven't got to lose it. The one

-that shot old Whitey is responsible."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who did shoot her?" asked Squire Collins.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Your boy, James," answered the deacon,

-slowly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was very disagreeably surprised.

-He was not a man who liked to part with money,

-and he saw how he had been trapped.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you see James shoot the cow?" he demanded

-sharply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"N—o; I can't say I did," replied the deacon,

-cautiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't believe he did it then. Did he admit

-it to you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"N—o. I didn't ask him about it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then, Deacon Miller, permit me to say that

-you have no case against him, and I am not responsible

-for your unfortunate loss.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Somebody else saw it!" remarked the deacon

-triumphantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who was it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"John Downie."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"John Downie! Pooh, he is a mere boy," said

-the squire, contemptuously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He's got as many eyes as you or I, squire,"

-said the deacon, shrewdly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This was unquestionably true, and the squire

-felt that he had made a foolish objection.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"John Downie may not tell the truth," he said,

-angrily.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm willin' it should come before the court,"

-said the deacon. "Wouldn't it be jest as well

-to ask your boy about it; he's out in the yard."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James was still in the yard. He had half a

-mind to go away, but was anxious about the deacon's

-errand. When he heard his father's voice

-calling him he turned pale.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wait for me, Tom," he said. "If you're

-asked, don't say I did it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom looked disturbed and uneasy, and did not

-reply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James entered his father's presence with a

-perturbed spirit. He stole a glance at the deacon,

-who sat with his wizened face calm and imperturbable.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you want me, father?" asked James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"James," said his father, abruptly, "Deacon

-Miller tells me that some one has shot his cow,

-old Whitey, this afternoon, and injured her so

-seriously that she will have to be killed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am sorry to hear it," said James, nervously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know who did it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How should I?" asked James, after a pause.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wer'n't you out in the pastur' this afternoon?"

-asked the deacon, pointedly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered James, "Tom Wyman and I

-crossed the pasture."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"With guns on your shoulders?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ye—es," admitted James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you see anything of old Whitey?" continued

-the deacon, persevering in his pointed

-interrogations.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There were some cows there I remember; I

-suppose old Whitey was among them."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did your gun go off while you were in the

-pasture?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ye—es, I believe it did. It went off accidentally."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And hit old Whitey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that. It may not have

-hit anything."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you don't know that you hit my cow?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wasn't the only boy in the pasture this afternoon,"

-said James, evasively.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know all about that. Tom Wyman was

-with you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, and so was Mark Manning. He was out

-gunning most all the afternoon. Have you asked

-him whether he hit the cow?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the deacon; "he says he

-didn't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course he would say so," sneered James,

-more confidently. "He's just as likely to have

-done it as I."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's what I thought myself," returned the

-deacon; "though Mark's a middlin' keerful boy.

-But I changed my mind."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because he denied it?" asked James, with a

-return of the sneer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not exactly. There was a boy saw it done,

-and he told me who did it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What boy saw it done?" asked James, all

-his apprehensions reviving.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"John Downie."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This was startling news to James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And who does he say did it," he forced himself

-to ask.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You!" answered Deacon Miller, laconically.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't believe I did it," said James, wavering.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He says after you shot the cow, you and Tom

-Wyman ran away as fast as your legs could carry

-you," added the deacon, chuckling.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James turned as red as scarlet, but said nothing.

-It was clear enough that he was guilty, and

-knew it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Deacon Miller," said Squire Collins, "I will

-look into this matter, and if I find James shot

-your cow, we will make some arrangement about

-payment. Understand clearly, however, that I

-won't pay any fancy price, such as fifty dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I won't argy the matter now, squire," said

-the deacon. "Good-evenin'."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"James," said his father, "I won't scold you

-for a piece of carelessness, but whatever compensation

-is paid to the deacon must come from your

-account in the savings' bank."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This was a sad blow to James, he had a hundred

-and fifty dollars in the bank, and this would

-make a heavy draft upon it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He went out into the yard without a word.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's all up, Tom," he said. "John Downie

-has been telling tales about me. The first time

-I see him I'll give him a licking."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And serve him right, too, little tell-tale!"

-said Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny did not expect what was in store for

-him, but he was soon to be enlightened.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch10' class='c007'>CHAPTER X. <br /> MARK PROTECTS A FRIEND.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Squire Collins</span> succeeded in reducing the deacon's

-claim to thirty-eight dollars, and this sum

-James was obliged to withdraw from his savings

-in the bank. He thought it was very hard, as

-the shooting was merely an accident. He was

-fond of money, scarcely less so than Deacon Miller

-himself, and it went to his heart to find himself

-so much poorer than before.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It isn't as if I got any fun out of it," he complained

-to Tom. "It's just money thrown away."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is a heavy sum to pay for a trifling carelessness,"

-admitted Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I shouldn't have had a cent to pay but

-for John Downie. Why need the boy turn tell-tale?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was mean."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mean? I should say so. I mean to come up

-with the fellow. I mean to give him the worst

-licking he ever had."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Even if Tom disapproved of the intention, he

-at any rate did not express any disapproval, but

-left it to be understood that he considered it perfectly

-proper.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Three days later the opportunity came. Tom

-and James were crossing the pasture, which had

-been the scene of the tragedy, when John, whistling

-gayly, met them.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now's my chance," said James, triumphantly.

-"There's the sneak that told of me. See how

-I'll serve him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>John Downie, seeing the boys approaching,

-nodded his head, saying in a friendly manner,

-"hello!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, it's you, is it?" said James, in a hostile

-tone, stopping short.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, it's me. Who did you think it was?"

-returned John, laughing.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've been wanting to meet you, John Downie."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What for?" asked John. He could not help

-seeing now that the speaker spoke like an enemy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"To tell you that you are a sneak and a tell-tale."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you mean by that?" demanded John,

-beginning himself to be angry.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You ought to know without asking. Wasn't

-it you that told about my shooting old Whitey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, you did shoot her, didn't you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Suppose I did. You needn't have blurted it

-out."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The deacon charged Mark Manning with it.

-I wasn't going to see him suffer for it when I

-saw you do it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're a great friend of Mark Manning, it

-seems," said James, with a sneer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I am; but, even if I hadn't been, I would

-have told. His mother is poor, and couldn't afford

-to pay for the cow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She'll be poorer yet before long, I'm thinking,"

-said James. "Do you know what I'm going

-to do to you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps you'll tell me," said John Downie,

-calmly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm going to give you a licking."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If I'll let you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James laughed derisively; Johnny was two

-inches shorter than he, and so far as appearances

-went was not as strong. In a contest between

-the two, there was little doubt that James would

-come out the victor.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't think you'll have much to say in the

-matter," said James. "Just move out of the

-way, Tom, and give me a chance at him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom did as requested, and James rushed at

-John with an impetuosity born of anger. John

-prepared to defend himself. The boys were soon

-grappling, trying to trip each other up. Neither

-knew much of the science of fighting, and victory

-naturally came to the stronger. In about two

-minutes John was on his back, with James kneeling

-over him, aiming blows at his face.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I told you I'd give you a licking," said James,

-closing his teeth, firmly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, let him off, James," said Tom. "This

-ought to satisfy you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But it doesn't. I'm going to give him a lesson

-he'll remember all his life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James undertook to belabor his fallen opponent,

-but he had been so preoccupied that he did not

-notice a boy running towards the scene of conflict,

-neither did Tom, who had his back turned.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Luckily for John, Mark Manning was on his

-way to call upon the hermit, when he became an

-indignant witness of James's brutality. He said

-nothing, but fairly flew across the pasture till he

-reached the battle-field. The first intimation

-James had of his presence was a vigorous grasp

-of his coat collar, and in an instant he was lying

-on his back close to his late victim, with Mark

-standing over him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm ashamed of you, James Collins," he said,

-sternly. "You're a contemptible coward to attack

-a smaller boy like Johnny."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Knock him over, Tom," shrieked James,

-furiously. "I'll give him a licking, too."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It doesn't look much like it," said Mark, with

-his knee on James's breast.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Help, Tom!" called James, struggling once

-more.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom felt obliged to take an active part in the

-fight, though it was by no means to his taste.

-He seized Mark by the shoulders, and tried to

-drag him away from his prostrate friend, but by

-this time John Downie was on his feet, and ran

-forward, giving Tom a push which sent him headlong

-on the other side of James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let me up, you low ruffian!" screamed

-James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Will you promise to behave yourself, then?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will promise nothing."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you can stay here a little longer. What

-made you attack Johnny?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's none of your business. I'll lick him as

-often as I please."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not while I am around. Johnny, what made

-him attack you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He said I was a tell-tale, because I told of

-his shooting the cow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And so you are! Let me up, Mark Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Will you promise?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I won't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let him up, Mark," said Johnny. "He won't

-dare to attack me while you are here."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I think not. Get up then, James, and

-take care how you pitch into Johnny again.

-Just as sure as you do, you'll have to settle accounts

-with me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Released from the pressure that held him down,

-James rose, angry and humiliated. He would

-sooner have been worsted by any one than Mark,

-whom, for some reason not easy to divine, he

-especially hated.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You took me at advantage," he said, sullenly,

-"or you couldn't have thrown me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you want to try it again?" asked Mark,

-quietly. "Now we stand face to face, and you

-have as fair a chance as I."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't care to demean myself by fighting with

-such a low working boy as you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I commend your prudence, James," said Mark,

-undisturbed by this taunt. "As for being a

-working boy, I am not ashamed of that."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're only a common pegger."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very true, I hope to rise higher some

-time."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You won't work much longer in my father's

-shop. I'll have you discharged."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just as you please. I think I can earn a living

-in some other way. Come, Johnny, if James

-has no further business with you, we may as well

-go along."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James, appearing to have no wish to resume

-hostilities, Mark and Johnny walked away.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You won't hear the last of this very soon,"

-said James, as a farewell shot.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think he'll get his father to discharge

-you, Mark?" asked Johnny.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think very likely."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am very sorry you have got into trouble on

-my account."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't worry, Johnny. I did right, and am

-ready to take the consequences."</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch11' class='c007'>CHAPTER XI. <br /> MARK IS DISCHARGED.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>The</span> next day Mark, with some misgivings, repaired

-to the shoe manufactory as usual. He

-knew he had done a bold thing in defending

-Johnny against his employer's son, but he never

-thought of regretting it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would do it again," he said to himself.

-"Catch me standing by and seeing Johnny

-whipped by any boy, no matter who he is."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark laid aside his hat and coat, and went to

-his customary bench.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He had been at work fifteen minutes only,

-when Mr. Waite, the head of the room, entered,

-and went up to where he was standing.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mr. Collins wants to see you, Mark," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know what for, Mr. Waite?" Mark

-asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, Mark, but I hope it is to raise your wages,"

-said Mr. Waite, pleasantly, for he had always

-liked our hero.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid it is something quite different,"

-said Mark, shaking his head.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No trouble, I hope, Mark?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can tell you better when I return."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark put on his coat, and went downstairs to

-the office.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was seated at a desk, with his

-spectacles astride his nose. He looked up as Mark

-entered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mr. Waite tells me you wish to see me, Mr.

-Collins," said Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," said the squire, frowning. "I presume

-you can guess what I want to see you about."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps so," answered Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I understand that you made a violent attack

-upon my son James in the pasture, yesterday

-afternoon."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We did have a little difficulty," Mark admitted.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ha! I am glad you confess it. James says

-you made an unprovoked attack upon him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is not quite true, Squire Collins; I was

-very much provoked."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did my son attack you first?" demanded the

-squire, sharply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I thought. Then you have no excuse by

-your own confession."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I have an excuse."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I fail to understand what it can be. To me

-it appears like a high-handed outrage of which you

-were guilty."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose James did not tell you what he

-was doing when I attacked him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I cannot remember that he did. What

-does that signify?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He had John Downie upon the ground, and

-was beating him brutally."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was somewhat nonplussed at this

-revelation, as James had said nothing about

-Johnny.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well?" he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I ran up, and pulled him off, and prevented

-him from hurting Johnny."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was rather embarrassed. He

-saw clearly that his son had been in the wrong,

-yet he was inclined to stand by him. Moreover,

-it chafed him that a poor boy should have presumed

-to interfere with his son, much more use

-violence towards him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He drew out his handkerchief and blew his

-nose, partly to gain time for consideration. At

-length he spoke.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My son feels very indignant at your presumption

-in assaulting him," he said, "and I wonder

-myself that you didn't see the impropriety of attacking

-the son of your employer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Would you have had me stand by and see

-Johnny beaten?" asked Mark, indignantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I do not feel disposed to argue with you,"

-said the squire, in a dignified tone. "I feel compelled

-to take some action in the matter though

-I regret it. I cannot, of course, retain you in

-my employ. You are discharged. I have made

-up your account to date, and here is the sum due

-you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well, sir," answered Mark, quietly,

-though his heart sank within him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins handed him a dollar and thirty-seven

-cents, and Mark, putting them into his

-pocket, bowed and withdrew.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He went back to the room where his hat hung,

-and taking it down, said to his fellow-workmen:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good-bye, boys, I shan't be with you any

-longer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why, Mark, what's the matter!" asked his

-next neighbor.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm discharged; that's all."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What for?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll tell you some other time—not now."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark, I'm really sorry for this," said Mr.

-Waite, pressing his hand warmly. "I wish you

-good luck!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mr. Waite," answered Mark, his

-lip quivering a little. "I will hope for the

-best."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark walked home with a slow step. He dreaded

-to tell his mother of his discharge, for he knew

-that she would be still more depressed than himself.

-Youth is hopeful, but middle age is less

-sanguine.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I won't go home at once," thought Mark.

-"I will go to the wood and see the hermit. He

-may have some errand for me, and besides, he

-may be able to give me some advice."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>One object which Mark had, however, was to

-delay breaking the unwelcome news to his

-mother.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He bent his steps towards the pasture, which

-he must cross in order to penetrate to the wood

-by the usual path.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In a few minutes he entered the cabin, the

-door of which he found open.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The hermit was no longer reclining, but was

-seated in a rocking-chair—the only article of

-luxury which the poor dwelling contained.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good morning, sir!" said Mark. "I hope you

-are better."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am much better. But how does it happen

-that you come here in the morning? I supposed

-you were at work in the shoe factory."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have lost my place there; I was discharged

-this morning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ha! how is that?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Upon this Mark told the story of his encounter

-with the boys in the pasture.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose," he concluded, "that James got

-me discharged in revenge for my interfering with

-him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you regret what you did?" inquired

-the hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I don't," answered Mark, warmly. "I

-couldn't stand by and see Johnny beaten."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are right, and I respect you for what

-you did."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is a grievous thing for me, though," said

-Mark. "It takes away my income, and I don't

-see how mother and I are going to live."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How much were you paid?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About three dollars and a half a week. Sometimes

-I made a little more by over-work."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You have no occasion to be disturbed. I was

-about to propose that you should leave your

-place."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark looked surprised.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will take you into my own employ," added

-Anthony. "How long have you been coming to

-me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A week, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You may retain five dollars in compensation

-from the money you hold of mine, and hereafter,

-as you will give me your whole time, you shall

-be paid at the rate of a dollar a day—that is, seven

-dollars a week."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But, sir, you are overpaying me," protested

-Mark, who thought this compensation magnificent.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Be it so. I can afford it. Let me know

-when you need more money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have still about fifteen dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"After paying yourself for the last week?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. Can I do anything for you now?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes. I feel like taking a walk. That shows

-I am better. You may come with me, and if I

-tire myself, I will lean upon your arm in returning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"With pleasure, sir. I am very glad that you

-feel better."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"After all," mused the old man, "it is pleasant

-to have human sympathy. I thought I was

-able to do without it, but I am more dependent

-than I supposed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They walked for half an hour. When they returned

-to the cabin, the hermit said:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"To-morrow morning I expect a visitor from

-the city. I wish you to meet him at the train,

-and conduct him here. He is a small man, with

-a sharp look, and will probably be dressed in

-black. In fact, he is my man of business. You

-need say nothing of this, however, but let people

-conjecture as they will."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And shall I speak of my arrangement with

-you, sir?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You may merely say that I have engaged you

-to do my errands. I shall not require you again

-to-day."</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch12' class='c007'>CHAPTER XII. <br /> GOOD LUCK AFTER MISFORTUNE.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> spirits were wonderfully improved

-when he left the hermit's cabin, and took his

-way homeward. So far from being injuriously

-affected by his discharge from the shoe-shop,

-his income was considerably increased. Not only

-this, but he had received five dollars for his past

-week's services over and above what he had been

-paid for his work in the shop.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now," thought he. "I can tell mother without

-minding it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>But his mother had already heard of it. A

-neighbor, Mrs. Parker, who rather enjoyed telling

-bad news, had heard of it through her son,

-who also worked in the work-shop.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>She at once left her work, and hurried over to

-Mrs. Manning's.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," said the widow,

-cheerfully. "Take a chair, do."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mrs. Manning, I can't stop a

-minute. I left my kitchen at sixes and sevens,

-on purpose to condole with you. I declare, it's

-really too bad."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What is too bad? I don't understand you?"

-said Mrs. Manning, perplexed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About your son Mark, I mean."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What has happened to him? Is he hurt?"

-asked the widow, with a pale face.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, no; hasn't he been home?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He is at the shoe-shop, of course."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, he is not. He was discharged by Squire

-Collins this morning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Discharged? What for?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't you know? Some quarrel between

-Mark and James Collins, I believe."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad he is not hurt."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But hasn't he been home? I wonder at that."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have seen nothing of him since he started

-for the shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's strange."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Poor boy! I suppose he doesn't like to tell

-me he is discharged," sighed the widow. "It

-will be a serious thing for us, for I don't know

-where else he will find work."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"O, something will turn up," said Mrs. Parker,

-who could bear the misfortunes of her neighbors

-very cheerfully. "But I must run home, or my

-dinner will be late."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The more Mrs. Manning thought of Mark's

-loss of employment, the more troubled she felt.

-Three dollars and a half a week was not a large

-sum, but it was more than half their income, and

-how they were to make it up she could not conjecture.

-Perhaps she could induce Mark to apologize

-to James, in which case the squire might be

-induced to take him back. While her mind was

-busy with such thoughts, Mark entered the house

-whistling. His mother was considerably surprised

-at this evidence of light-heartedness under

-the circumstances.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He entered the room where his mother was at

-work.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, mother, is dinner almost ready?" he

-asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It will be ready soon. But oh, Mark, what

-is this I hear about your being discharged from

-the shoe-shop?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is all true, mother, but you needn't worry

-over it. We shall get along just as well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't see how. There is no other shop in

-the village."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have another job already, and a better one."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning opened her eyes in astonishment.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What can it be?" she asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony has hired me to do his errands."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid, Mark, that will amount to very

-little."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am to receive five dollars a week."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you really mean this? I thought he was

-very poor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Quite the contrary, mother, but we mustn't

-say that to others. Let people think he is poor.

-Here are five dollars which he has paid me for

-the last week, though I have worked in the shop,

-and done very little for it. Take it, mother, and

-use as you need it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Will this last, Mark?" asked his mother,

-almost incredulously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think it will. The hermit seems to have

-taken a special fancy to me, and he says he can

-well afford to pay me this sum. I say, mother,

-suppose I invite him to take dinner with us next

-Sunday?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"With all my heart, Mark. He seems to me

-like a good Providence who has come to our help

-at this juncture."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you need anything at the store this afternoon?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The butter and sugar are out, Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Give me the five-dollar bill, then, mother,

-and I will buy some."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Shortly after dinner Mark started for the store.

-On the way he met several persons who condoled

-with him on his loss of place. They were surprised

-to find that Mark looked cheerful, and even

-gay.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said, "I've retired from the shoe

-business on a fortune."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't seem to mind it!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I can stand it well enough, but I pity

-Squire Collins for losing my valuable services."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I thought you'd be down in the mouth. You

-don't seem to care."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why should I? Care killed a cat."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Arrived at the store, Mark stepped up to the

-counter and called for two pounds of sugar and

-two pounds of butter.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mr. Palmer, the grocer, had heard of Mark's

-dismissal, and being a cautious man, inquired:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you going to pay cash?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I heard you had lost your place at the shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mark, smiling, "I discharged

-Squire Collins."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It'll be rather hard on you, won't it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I guess I can pay my bills, Mr. Palmer. At

-any rate I can pay for what I am buying now."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The grocer put up the packages, and was surprised

-when Mark handed him a five-dollar bill

-in payment.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Seems to me you're flush," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So it seems," answered Mark, but he volunteered

-no information.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can't make out that boy," said the grocer

-to his assistant, after Mark had gone out. "He

-looks as if he had got a good place instead of

-losing it. I wonder if the widder's got any

-money?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not much, except what Mark brings in."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They'll be asking credit soon, Enoch. Don't

-trust them till you've referred to me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir, I won't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>On his way home Mark met the cause of his

-discharge, James Collins, accompanied as usual

-by his friend, Tom Wyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" said James, eying Mark, triumphantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hallo!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why ain't you at the shop?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Probably you know."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do know. You've been discharged."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose I am indebted to your kindness for

-that."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, you are. Perhaps now you will be sorry

-for your impertinence to me in the pasture."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"When I am I'll tell you so. At present I am

-glad, and would do the same thing again."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How do you expect to live?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"On victuals and drink, thank you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If you have money to buy them," supplemented

-James, with a malicious smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've got a little money left," and Mark drew

-out not only his own but the hermit's money.

-"You see I don't depend on work in the shoe-shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James was both amazed and annoyed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where did you get that money?" he asked

-abruptly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid I must leave your curiosity ungratified.

-I'll tell you, as it may interest you,

-that I should have resigned my place in the shop

-at the end of the week, even if you hadn't kindly

-got me discharged."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>So saying, Mark walked away.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where do you think he got that money,

-Tom?" said James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Blamed if I know!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The next morning Mark walked to the depot to

-meet the morning train.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch13' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIII. <br /> THE LITTLE MAN IN BLACK.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>When</span> the morning train arrived, Mark was

-on hand. He watched carefully for the man he

-was sent to meet. As it happened, the business

-agent was the last man to leave the train. He

-stepped upon the platform, and began to look

-about him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark advanced towards him, and raised his

-hat, politely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is this Mr. Hardy?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The small man regarded him sharply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," he answered. "Have you a message

-for me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. I am to conduct you to Mr. Taylor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just so. How is his health?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He has had an attack of rheumatism, but is

-better."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No wonder he is sick, living in that out-of-the-way

-place. Do you know him well?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Pretty well, sir. I am in his employ."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ha! then he is living a little more as he

-should do. What is your name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"M. M. Just so. Sounds like a fancy name.

-Is it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir; it's all the name I have," said Mark

-smiling.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How long have you been in the employ of

-Mr. Taylor?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Only a little over a week."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know anything about his history?"

-demanded Mr. Hardy, with a sharp look of inquiry.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. He has told me something of it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Humph! Then he must have confidence in

-you. Well, let us be starting. Is it far?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nearly two miles, sir. Perhaps you will be

-tired."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"In which case you will perhaps kindly carry

-me on your shoulders," suggested Mr. Hardy,

-quizzically.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid I shouldn't be able to do that,"

-returned Mark, with a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And yet, I don't believe I weigh much more

-than you. What is your weight?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"One hundred and twenty-three pounds."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I weigh one hundred and twenty-four.

-I have one pound the advantage of you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark, who was a stout boy, was rather pleased

-to learn that he weighed within a pound as much

-as his companion. I suppose most boys are proud

-of their size.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They had commenced their walk and Mark

-found that his new acquaintance was a fast

-walker.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does Mr. Taylor ever have any visitors?"

-asked the lawyer, for such was his profession.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not from the village, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"From any other quarter?" asked Hardy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He had a call from his nephew, lately."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Lyman Taylor?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then he has found his uncle's place of concealment.

-What do you know of the interview?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark gave an account of Lyman's visit, his demand

-for money, and his threatened violence.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did he suppose his uncle had money?" inquired

-the lawyer, in an anxious tone.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He did not suppose he had much, but he

-wanted a part of it, however small."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did he succeed in obtaining anything?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor told me to give him five dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I had a sum of money belonging to the hermit,

-in my possession. I used to buy things for

-him in the village."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you think Lyman went away with the

-impression that my friend—the hermit, as you

-call him—had very little money?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I am sure of it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you under the same impression?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir; Mr Taylor has told me that he is

-moderately rich."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That shows he has great confidence in you.

-Don't breathe a word of it, my boy, or this rascally

-nephew will persecute his uncle, and make

-his life a burden."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He will learn nothing from me," said Mark

-firmly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You seem a good trustworthy boy—I think

-my friend made a good choice of a confidant."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>At length they reached the cabin in the wood.

-Old Anthony was already outside, waiting for

-their coming.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good morning, my friend," said the lawyer;

-"the boy tells me you have been sick——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I have had a visit from my old enemy,

-but I am much better."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"To be sick in such a place!" said the lawyer

-with a shudder.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have not suffered, thanks to Mark—will

-you come in?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let us rather bring chairs outside, if you are

-provided with such luxuries. We shall have

-several matters to discuss."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mr. Hardy glanced significantly at Mark, who

-was leaning against a tree, and could of course

-hear the conversation.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark," said the hermit, "you may go farther

-away, but return in an hour. This gentleman

-and myself may have some things to speak of

-which are private."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, old friend," Hardy began, "haven't

-you had enough of this strange existence? you

-are rich, and can afford all the comforts of life,

-yet you voluntarily surrender them, and bury

-yourself in this wilderness. Do you mean to stay

-here all your life?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I did at one time think it probable, now

-I am beginning to feel a greater interest in

-life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The boy tells me your nephew has found you

-out?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; he came here in quest of money, but he

-went away convinced that I was nearly as poor as

-himself. If he knew the truth I should be in

-constant danger of robbery, or worse——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If you die without a will, is he not your

-heir?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He would be, but I shall make a will. It is

-partly to give you instructions on this point that

-I have sent for you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You have no one else to leave your money

-to?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A part will go to charitable institutions, a

-part——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"To one whom I hold in greater regard than

-my nephew—to the boy, who guided you hither."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Indeed! does he know anything of your

-purpose?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nothing, and need not."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You have taken a fancy to him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; he is honest, manly, upright, just such

-a boy as I should have been glad to have for my

-son. Don't dissuade me, for the thought of doing

-something for him gives me a new interest in

-life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall not dissuade you, Anthony, for I believe

-the boy to be all that you say. Of course if

-you had a blood relation who was deserving, I

-might make an objection. Has this boy relations?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Only a mother, who is mainly dependent

-upon him. By the way, have you invested the

-sum paid in lately?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; but I have an application for it, or I

-should say, for four-fifths of it. Curiously, the

-applicant lives in this town."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who is it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Collins, the shoe manufacturer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am surprised at this. I thought he was

-rich."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He has lost money by investments in stocks,

-and finds himself hard up."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What does he offer?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Seven per cent, secured by a mortgage on

-his shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let him have it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you willing that your name should appear

-in the matter?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; I shall transfer the sum to Mark, and

-make you his trustee or guardian."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I understand. Is he to know of his good

-fortune?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not at present. The boy was discharged only

-yesterday from the shop of this Collins," added

-Anthony, smiling.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A good joke!" said the lawyer. "And now

-the boy lends him money. That is returning

-good for evil."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Without knowing it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Precisely."</p>

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch14' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIV. <br /> AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>There</span> is a further sum of a thousand dollars,"

-suggested the lawyer. "What is your

-pleasure in regard to that?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The boy is to have that too. Deposit it in

-some savings' bank in your own name as his

-trustee."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That makes the boy worth five thousand

-dollars—a large gift."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Exactly, but I know of no better use for it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He is to remain ignorant of this also?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"For the present, yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now for your instructions concerning the

-will. I will note them down, and prepare the

-document for your signature."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>These directions were given, one-half of the

-hermit's property being left to certain specified

-charities, the remaining half to Mark Manning.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The lawyer wrote in silence. Then, pausing,

-he said:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Will you allow me, in right of our long friendship,

-to make one suggestion?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Surely, John."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then let me ask if you are sure that there is

-no one having a rightful claim upon you, and

-who ought to be considered in this matter?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you mean Lyman?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"By no means. He has forfeited any claim

-he may once have possessed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then what is your meaning?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you sure that your daughter left no

-issue?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Anthony's brow contracted, not with anger

-but with pain. The old wound had not healed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I never heard of any," he answered, after a

-pause.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yet there may have been a child."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And if there were?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It would be your grandchild," said the lawyer,

-firmly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And his child," said the hermit, bitterly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You should not impute that to the child for

-blame."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What would you have me do, old friend?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Make provision for the child, if there should

-be one."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What would you suggest?" asked Anthony,

-slowly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't wish to injure the boy; I would only

-suggest that charity begins at home. Divide

-your estate into thirds; give one-third to Mark,

-one to the child, if there be one, and one to

-charity."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have no objection to that. But suppose

-there be no child living?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then divide that third between Mark and

-the charitable societies you have enumerated."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wisely counseled, John, but why not give it

-to you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because I am moderately rich already, and

-need nothing more. Then, also, it would work

-against my interest to find the child. I might

-turn out to be as wicked and unprincipled as

-most lawyers are said to be," he concluded, with

-a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have no fear of that. So that is your only

-objection—"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It isn't. Give it all to the boy in preference."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, let it be as you proposed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"One thing more. Don't you think it is your

-duty to ascertain whether you have a grandchild?

-It may be living in poverty; perhaps in actual

-want."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are right; I should have thought of

-that before. But what steps would you advise

-me to take?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Send some trusted messenger to the last place

-where you have information that your daughter

-lived. Have you tidings of her husband?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He died first. Both died of typhoid fever, as

-I learned."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where did they die?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"At a small place in Indiana—Claremont, I

-think."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you should send there, and make inquiries.

-It would be well to go yourself, if you

-could bring yourself to do it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But I couldn't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then send a trusted messenger."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have none whom I could trust—except that

-boy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>John Hardy looked thoughtful. He appeared

-to be pondering something. Finally he said:

-"Then send him. He is a boy, but he is faithful

-and discreet. Moreover, I could advise him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let it be so!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Can you spare him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I am quite recovered, and he may not

-be gone many weeks. If I need help I can easily

-receive it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would suggest a delay of a week or two, or

-till the will is drawn up and signed, and some

-other business attended to."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall be guided entirely by your advice."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now shall I leave you some money?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I have enough to last for some time to

-come."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't keep it in this cabin, do you? It

-would be imprudent. You would be exposed to

-robbery."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I have a place of concealment in the

-woods. I shall go this afternoon, taking Mark

-with me, to draw from it. It is my bank."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The bank of the woods," suggested Hardy,

-laughing.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Presently Mark returned, and conducted the

-lawyer back to the station. Without the boy's

-remarking it, his elderly companion drew him

-out, weighed him mentally in the balance, and

-decided that his client was not, after all, rash in

-confiding in a mere boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He's smart and honest!" was his mental

-verdict.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>At the station, he handed Mark a card containing

-the address of his office.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Unless I am much mistaken," he said, "Mr.

-Taylor will have occasion to send you to my office

-in the city before long."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall be very glad to come," answered Mark,

-gladly. "I don't often get a chance to come to

-New York."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The lawyer shook hands with Mark, and

-boarded the train.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Turning to leave the station, Mark encountered

-the gaze of his two hunting companions, James

-Collins and Tom Wyman, fixed curiously upon

-him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who is that old file?" asked James, with his

-usual want of ceremony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A gentleman from New York," answered

-Mark, briefly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What's his name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"John Hardy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How did you run across him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I didn't; he ran across me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How did you get acquainted with him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He asked me to be his guide. I walked about

-with him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"O, a tourist! Did he give you anything?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then all your time and trouble was thrown

-away," sneered James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that. He invited me to

-call at his office when I came to the city."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is hardly likely to do you any good.

-Business doesn't call you to the city very often."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is true," said Mark, his temper undisturbed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A quarter would have helped you more, especially

-now that you are out of work."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad you sympathize with me, James.

-Perhaps you will ask your father to take me back

-into the shop?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not after the mean way in which you treated

-me. I swore I'd come up with you, and I

-have."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope you'll enjoy your revenge."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I do, you may be sure of that. If you had

-minded your own business, it would have been

-better for you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am not sure about that. It may surprise

-you, James, to hear that I wouldn't go back to

-the shop, if your father were to call and ask me

-to do so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's a likely story!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Likely or not, it's true."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose you have come into a fortune," said

-James, with a sneer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This was what had actually happened, but

-Mark had no more knowledge of his good fortune

-than James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Later in the day Mark presented himself at the

-cabin in the woods.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I thought you might have an errand for me,"

-he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I have," returned the hermit. "Take

-yonder spade and come with me."</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch15' class='c007'>CHAPTER XV. <br /> THE HERMIT'S BANK.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> was considerably surprised by the order

-he had received. What was he do with a spade?

-They were in the woods, and there was no arable

-land near. However, Mark was sensible enough

-to understand that it was his duty to obey, not to

-question.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All right, sir!" he said, but there was a

-wonder in his look which old Anthony noticed

-with a smile. However, he did not immediately

-throw any light on the mystery.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They walked possibly a quarter of a mile till

-they reached a comparatively open space near the

-center of which stood a tall tree.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We will stop here," said Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark lowered the spade, which he had been

-carrying on his shoulder, and waited further

-instructions.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony produced a compass to make sure

-of his bearings, and a tape measure. One end of

-this he gave to Mark, saying: "Stand by the

-tree."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark, wondering as much as ever, took his

-position beside the tree.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A little more on that side!" was the next

-direction.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>When Mark was placed to suit him, Anthony

-took the other end of the tape measure, and

-measured due east sixteen feet.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said musingly, "this must be the

-spot."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Marking the spot with a stone, he said:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Bring the spade to me, Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark did so.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose you wonder what I am going to

-do?" said the hermit with a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," Mark admitted.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"This is my bank," explained Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark wondered whether the hermit was in his

-right mind. He stood by curious and attentive,

-while Anthony began to disturb the soil, throwing

-up one spadeful of dirt after another.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He continued at his task for ten minutes, and

-then desisted.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I get fatigued easily," he said; "here, Mark,

-take your turn."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark took the spade, and continued the excavation.

-He was young and strong, and bore the

-fatigue better than his employer. At length he

-felt the spade striking something hard.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have struck something," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well, now proceed more carefully, so as

-not to break the vessel. Uncover it, and then I

-will tell you what to do——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The hole was now about eighteen inches deep.

-Mark cleared away some of the dirt, and disclosed

-an earthen pot which appeared to be provided

-with a cover.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What shall I do now?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Stoop down, and remove the cover, and take

-out what you find inside."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark got down on his knees, and bending over,

-accomplished what was asked of him. To his

-surprise he saw that the bottom of the pot was

-covered with gold pieces.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Take them out, and hand them to me," said

-old Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All of them, sir?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I may as well remove them to another

-place. Besides the balance must be small."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The hermit counted the gold pieces, as they

-were placed in his hands.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars

-left!" he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>To Mark this seemed considerable, though it

-was evident the pot would have contained, if full,

-many times as much.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What shall I do with the pot?" asked Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You can leave it where it is. Anyone is

-welcome to it, now that it is empty. Put the

-cover on, and some one will one day stumble upon

-treasure."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark filled up the hole, and disposed leaves

-over it so as to conceal the work that had been

-done.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well done, Mark! The last time I did

-all the work myself, but that was before I had

-the rheumatism. It has stiffened my joints, and

-weakened me as I find. Now let us go back."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark once more shouldered the spade, and

-the two walked back side by side.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I may as well explain how I came to deposit

-my money there," said old Anthony. "I was

-sensible that it would be dangerous to leave a

-large sum in my cabin, and it was not convenient

-or agreeable for me to make visits to the city

-from time to time to draw money from my agent.

-I was in the habit of going but once in a year or

-two, and then bringing with me enough to last

-me for a considerable period. I could, of course,

-have hidden my money under the flooring of my

-cabin, but that is the very place where burglars

-would have searched, had they done me the honor

-to look upon me as a miser, hiding concealed

-treasures. It was for this reason that I selected

-a hiding-place so far away from my dwelling.

-Fearing that I might forget the exact place, I

-chose a particular tree as a guide, and then measured

-a distance of sixteen feet due east. Of

-course there would be no danger of my mistaking

-the place then."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Somebody might have seen you digging

-there, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"True; I used to go early in the morning

-when no one was likely to be in the wood. Besides,

-I carefully looked about me before beginning

-to dig, to make all secure."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We didn't look about us this afternoon."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, it was not necessary. There is no money

-left, and as for the earthen pot, any one is welcome

-to it, who will take the trouble to dig for

-it. I fancy it would hardly repay the labor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There is still considerable gold; are you not

-afraid of being robbed?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There is a chance of it. I shall therefore give

-you half of it to keep for me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad you have so much confidence in

-my honesty, Mr. Taylor. But I hope that no one

-will suspect that I have so much money, or I

-might be attacked."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Better give the greater part to your mother

-to lock up in a trunk or bureau drawer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I will, sir. It seems odd to have you

-choose me as a banker, Mr. Taylor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't think I shall have any cause to repent

-it, Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nor I, so far as honesty goes, but I might be

-robbed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We will take our chance of that."</p>

-

-<hr class='c014' />

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark and his employer supposed themselves

-alone when they were engaged in disinterring

-the golden treasure, but they were mistaken.

-Two pairs of very curious eyes watched them

-from behind a clump of bushes. These eyes belonged

-to James Collins and Tom Wyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They were in the wood with their guns, looking

-for squirrels, when they saw the approach of

-Mark and the hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wonder what they are going to do," said

-James. "Mark has got a spade."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know. Suppose we hide, and then

-we'll find out."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This proposal struck James favorably, and

-they concealed themselves behind a clump of

-low trees, as already described. With eager

-eyes they watched the preliminary measurement,

-and the subsequent excavation.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The old man's a miser," whispered James.

-"He's got gold hidden there."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just what I think," responded Tom, also in a

-whisper.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wonder if there's much."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hush! We'll soon see."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They were not near enough to hear what passed

-between Mark and Anthony, but they saw the

-gold coins which the boy passed to his employer.

-Then they saw the dirt replaced, and the spot

-made to look as before.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>When Mark and Anthony had gone, they

-emerged from their hiding-place, eager and

-excited.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well," said James, drawing a long breath,

-"we've found the hermit's secret. He must be

-a miser. I wonder how much more gold there is

-in the hole."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thousands of dollars, very likely," said Tom,

-who had a vivid imagination. "You know it

-doesn't take a very big pile of gold to make a

-thousand dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning is pretty thick with old

-Anthony. He trusts him more than I would."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark'll rob him someday. See if he don't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder. I say, Tom, don't you

-tell a living soul of what we've seen this afternoon.

-If Mark steals the money, we can expose him.

-He little thinks we know his secret."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tom agreed to this, and the two boys went

-home. When they next saw Mark, they regarded

-him with a knowing look that puzzled him.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch16' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVI. <br /> LYMAN TAYLOR GAINS SOME INFORMATION.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>When</span> Lyman Taylor left his uncle and returned

-to the city, he felt that his visit had been

-a failure. His traveling expenses had amounted

-to about two dollars, and he only carried back

-five dollars with him. Added to this, his prospects

-of remunerative employment were by no

-means brilliant. To work, indeed, he was an

-enemy, and always had been.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Blessed if I know how I'm coming out," he

-said to himself, ruefully; "if Uncle Anthony

-had showed any enterprise, he ought to be well

-off, and able to lend me a helping hand. Instead

-of which he is settled down in a tumble-down

-shanty in the woods, and isn't doing any good to

-anybody."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman resented it as a wrong done to himself

-that his uncle was not in a condition to help him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>If he were only living in the city now, he might

-quarter himself upon him. As matters stood, it

-was out of the question. It made him shudder

-to think of becoming a joint tenant of the lonely

-cabin, with nothing to look to but the homely

-fare, which no doubt contented his uncle.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall have to shift for myself," he reflected

-with a sigh; "I always was unlucky. Other fellows

-are born with a silver spoon in their mouths,

-and have rich fathers or uncles to provide for

-them, while I may go to the poorhouse for all the

-help I am likely to get from Uncle Anthony."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Arrived in New York, however, his prospects

-rose a little. He met an old acquaintance on the

-Bowery, and turned into a billiard saloon, where

-he succeeded in a series of games in raising his

-small capital to ten dollars.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This gave him a hint of a new way to make a

-living—a way, as he considered, infinitely preferable

-to a life of toil. Henceforth he frequented

-billiard saloons, and occasionally varied his pleasant

-labors by a game of cards. In spite, however,

-of his praiseworthy efforts to make an honest

-livelihood, there came a time when he was reduced

-to his last quarter of a dollar.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He was sitting moodily in a cheap downtown

-hotel, when he was addressed by a bearded man

-dressed in rough miner's costume, a type of man

-more frequently met in California or Colorado,

-than in an Atlantic city.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have a cigar, stranger?" asked the bearded

-man socially.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you; I don't care if I do," said

-Lyman with alacrity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm a stranger in York," said the other, "only

-arrived yesterday. You've got a right smart

-city here; beats 'Frisco higher'n a kite!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you come from San Francisco?" asked

-Lyman with interest.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm from Californy—was up in the mines

-mostly."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you have much luck?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wal, I made two or three piles, an' lost 'em

-agin. However, I've got a little left. I've

-always wanted to see York, and thought I might

-as well come on and see it before I lost the

-last."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm glad to meet you," said Lyman, who was

-speculating as to whether he couldn't make a

-little something out of his new friend, before his

-"pile" was wholly reduced in size. "I'm an old

-Californian myself."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't say so? when was you there?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman mentioned the time, and the country

-where he had courted fortune.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't say, stranger?" returned the

-miner. "Why, I was at that identical place myself.

-I bought a mine—leastways me and my

-partner did—of an old man, named Taylor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Anthony Taylor?" asked Lyman, eagerly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That was the old fellow's name. Did you

-know him, stranger?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should say I did. He is my uncle. Did

-you—pay much for the claim?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We paid five thousand dollars cash down."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor whistled in amazement.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Was it worth it?" he added.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We took out ten thousand dollars, and I

-heerd that the old man took out as much before

-selling it to us."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What month did you buy it?" asked Lyman,

-breathless.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let me see, it was in September. You seem

-to be interested, stranger?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should say I was. That claim was half

-mine, and my uncle never gave me a cent of the

-purchase money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where were you all the time?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I left in disgust, for we'd worked a long time

-without making it pay."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You left too soon. The old man struck it

-rich some time early in August, and carried away

-ten thousand dollars, besides what we gave him.

-We didn't make so much of a spec, for too much

-had been taken out already. Where is your

-uncle now?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Living in the country. I went up to see him

-two or three weeks since."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How's he fixed? Did he hang on to his

-pile?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He's hanging on to it now," answered Lyman,

-with an oath. "He made out he was poor, and

-sent me off with a beggarly five-dollar note."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he's lost his money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"More likely he's keeping it out of the way.

-He ought to give me half he made out of the

-claim."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that, stranger. You

-gave up and left, and all he made afterwards,

-went of right to him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor, however, did not regard the

-matter in that light. Discreetly losing sight of

-the circumstances under which he left his uncle,

-carrying off all the gold dust he had then accumulated,

-he persuaded himself that he had suffered

-a great wrong in not having shared in the

-subsequent rich development.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just my luck!" he said to himself, moodily.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If I'd only waited a couple of months I'd have

-left California a rich man. How was I to guess

-how the claim was going to pan out. I didn't

-think Uncle Anthony would have treated me so

-meanly. I wonder how much he's got left?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This was an interesting subject of consideration,

-but unfortunately, Lyman had no data to

-go upon; or, rather, what data he had, were not

-calculated to favor the presumption that his

-uncle was a rich man.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It did not look very likely that a rich man, or

-even one moderately well-to-do, would voluntarily

-make his home in a poor cabin, like that

-which old Anthony occupied.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman began to fear that his uncle had managed

-to lose by bad investments the money he

-had obtained from the claims, and was really as

-poor as appearances would seem to indicate.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you livin' in this hotel?" asked the

-miner.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm not living anywhere in particular," answered

-Lyman. "Fact is, I'm rather down on

-my luck. There are no 'piles' to be made in

-New York."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've been there myself, stranger. Here, take

-this, and pay it back when it's convenient."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman eagerly accepted the twenty-dollar gold

-piece offered him by his liberal new acquaintance,

-and leading the way to the bar, they cemented

-their new-born friendship by a drink in true California

-style. He then proposed a game of cards,

-but the miner declined.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I never cared much for keerds," he said.

-"Excuse me! I don't mind playing a game of

-pool if you're agreeable."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>When the two parted, they were sworn friends.

-Lyman, however, found that his miner friend

-had all his wits about him, and that the twenty

-dollar loan was all he was likely to extract from

-him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I must make another visit to that uncle of

-mine," said Lyman to himself, as he sauntered

-down the Bowery. "He ought to pay me half

-the money he got for that claim."</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch17' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVII. <br /> ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Keen</span> on the scent of anything likely to turn

-to his own advantage, Lyman Taylor arranged

-the very next day to make a second visit to Pocasset,

-and find out definitely, if possible, whether

-his uncle had saved any of the large sum which

-his claim had yielded him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He hardly knew what to think. Anthony was

-not the man to waste money on extravagant

-living, but then he might have made poor investments,

-and reduced himself to a pittance. Cases

-of that kind were common enough in California,

-as Lyman knew well enough.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He preferred, however, to think that his uncle

-had turned miser, and was still the possessor of a

-handsome fortune. In that case, as the only

-near relative, it ought to come to him some day.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let me see," he mused, "how old is Uncle

-Anthony! Fifty-nine!" he resumed, after a

-mental calculation. "That isn't very old, but he

-looks a good deal older. He is about played out—a

-physical wreck," he reflected, complacently,

-"and may not live a year.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"In that damp cabin it could not be expected.

-Of course it's his own lookout. If he chooses to

-live there, I don't see that it's any of my business.

-I ought to come to a friendly understanding with

-him, and get him to recognize me as his heir.

-I dare say he's got his money hidden away in

-some out-of-the-way place. It would be a sorry

-joke if he should die, and it shouldn't be found."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman shuddered uneasily, as he thought of

-this contingency.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He ought to place his money in charge of

-some competent manager," he resumed. "I'd

-take care of it myself, and save him all business

-cares, if he'd let me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman did not appreciate the absurdity of this

-plan. Few persons think themselves unfit to be

-trusted with money. What he thought of his

-own honesty can only be conjectured. Probably

-he did not regard himself with the eyes of those

-who knew him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Such thoughts were passing through the mind

-of the hermit's nephew, as he was traveling from

-New York to Pocasset. Arrived at the depot, he

-set out for the village at a brisk pace.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Presently he espied in advance of him a couple

-of boys, whose figures looked familiar. It did

-not take him long to recall the two boys he had

-met in the pasture on his former visit. Of course

-they were James and Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just the ones I want to see," he said to himself.

-"I may get some news from them."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He quickened his pace, and soon overtook

-them.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good morning, young gentlemen!" he said,

-urbanely. "I believe we have met before."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The boys turned around. They, too, recognized

-him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," answered James. "You are old

-Anthony's nephew."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The same! I am glad you remember me.

-Have you seen or heard of my uncle lately?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; we saw him yesterday in the wood."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Has he recovered from his rheumatic attack?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I guess so," said Tom. "He is looking pretty

-well now."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I came down to inquire his condition. I am

-his only relative, and though he is prejudiced

-against me, I can't help feeling anxious about his

-health. Can you tell me anything about him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He has that boy, Mark Manning, about him

-all the time."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What can be the boy's object in keeping

-company with a poor old man, who has no way

-of rewarding him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am not so sure about that," said James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About what?" asked Lyman, quickly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About his being poor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you any reason to think my uncle has

-money?" asked Lyman, eagerly, fixing a sharp

-glance of inquiry on the speaker.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James looked at Tom, as if to consult him

-about the propriety of telling what he knew.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"As I am his nephew and only relation, and—heir,"

-continued Lyman, "you can freely tell

-me anything you have found out."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Would you?" asked James, turning to his

-companion.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't see why not," returned Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then," said James, who rather enjoyed the

-prospect of telling the story, "I'll tell you what I

-saw the other day—that is, Tom and I."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes, what did you see?" interrupted

-Lyman, eagerly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We were out in the woods about a quarter of

-a mile from the hermit's cabin, when we all at

-once heard voices. Slipping behind a tree we

-saw old Anthony and Mark coming along. Mark

-had a spade over his shoulder. We wondered

-what it all meant, and so kept hidden. Well,

-the two came up to a big tree, and then measured

-with a tape measure to a place about a rod

-distant. Then old Anthony took the spade and

-began to dig. But I guess he got tired, for

-pretty soon he gave the spade to Mark, and got

-him to dig."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well?" ejaculated Lyman, who was listening

-with intense interest.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Pretty soon he struck something hard. It

-turned out to be an earthen pot with a cover."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did they take it up?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; but Mark took off the cover, and then

-took out, oh, such a lot of gold pieces."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just what I thought!" exclaimed Lyman, in

-excitement. "I was sure my uncle kept his

-money hidden in the ground somewhere. Do you

-know how much money he took out of the jar?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There must have been hundreds of dollars—maybe

-a thousand."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And what then?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The cover was put on again, and then Mark

-filled up the hole, and covered it with leaves, so

-that nobody would think the ground had been

-disturbed, then they went away."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That shows there must be more money there,

-don't you think so?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course, or they wouldn't have taken so

-much trouble to cover it up again," answered

-James, readily.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are right. I see you are sharp. What

-a fine detective you would make!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James looked pleased at this compliment, and it

-inclined him in favor of the appreciative stranger.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think," asked Lyman, after a pause,

-"you could find the spot again?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I guess so. Why?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should like to go there."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But," objected James, cautiously, "what

-would you do if you found it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would dig down and find the jar."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But you would have no right to do that; the

-money belongs to old Anthony."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who is my uncle. But you are mistaken. I

-don't want to take it. I want to see if the gold is

-still there."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why shouldn't it be?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because," answered Lyman, with a lucky

-thought, "the boy knows where it is. What is

-to prevent his going there by himself and carrying

-off all there is. My uncle would have no

-proof that it was he."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I never thought of that," said James, quickly.

-"It would be just like Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think he is honest?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't answer for him. He is a poor

-boy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Exactly, and the gold would be a great temptation.

-As the legal heir of Uncle Anthony, I

-think I ought to look into the matter. Suppose

-my uncle should die, wouldn't this Mark get the

-money, even if he hasn't done it already, and no

-one would be the wiser?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course!" James readily assented. "What

-do you want us to do?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Lead me to the place, and let me see for

-myself if the money is still there."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shall we, Tom?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think it would be only fair."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then come along. I'll get a spade from the

-house as we pass."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The spade was obtained, and the three set out

-for the wood.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch18' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVIII. <br /> LYMAN'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>James</span> was not without his share of curiosity,

-and he was strongly desirous of seeing with his

-own eyes the pot of gold, and so learning how

-rich the hermit was.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Prejudiced as he was against Mark, he did not

-really believe the boy would appropriate money

-that did not belong to him, though it would have

-been a satisfaction to him to find that his enemy

-was in a scrape.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That boy, Mark, seems to be an artful young

-rascal," Lyman Taylor remarked, as they were

-walking along together.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He is all of that," said James, emphatically.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My uncle is old, and his mind is weak. He

-is very likely to be influenced by a sharp, unprincipled

-boy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's lucky you came down here to watch

-him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That depends on whether I am able to put a

-spoke in his wheel."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know whether your uncle has much

-money?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know, positively, but I have heard he

-was very successful in California."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If he is rich, I shouldn't think he would live

-in such a tumble-down cabin," said Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he has become a miser. His burying

-money looks like it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They entered the wood, and as the boys knew

-their way all over it, they were able to go

-straight to the tree.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was from this tree that old Anthony measured,"

-said James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Can you tell in what direction?" inquired

-Lyman, anxiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"This way, I am sure."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know how far?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not exactly, but we can tell by seeing where

-the ground has been disturbed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor took the spade and began to dig

-vigorously. Such hard work was not generally

-to his taste, but now he was spurred by a powerful

-motive.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He would not have been sorry, now that he had

-obtained the information he required, if the

-boys had left him to work alone. But this they

-had no intention of doing. They were very curious

-to see the treasure unearthed, and ascertain

-how much there was.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>At length, the spade struck the earthen pot.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've touched it!" exclaimed Lyman, triumphantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He worked with redoubled energy, and soon laid

-bare the buried vessel.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The boys drew near, eagerly, and looked into

-the hole.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman threw himself down upon his knees,

-and removed the cover of the jar. No sooner

-had he done so, when he uttered a fierce cry of

-disappointment.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Boys," he said, looking up with haggard

-face, "there's nothing there!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No gold in the jar?" asked James, with a

-blank look.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not a particle. Are you sure there was any

-left?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We couldn't see, but it stands to reason that

-it would not have been so carefully covered up

-unless there had been some left."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are right there. Now, what has become

-of it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Can Mark have taken it?" said James, turning

-to Tom.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know," answered Tom, doubtfully.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's just what happened. I'd like to wring

-the young rascal's neck," said Lyman, fiercely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What are you going to do about it?" asked

-James, curiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I say, boys, it's pretty hard luck," complained

-Lyman, "to see yourself robbed by an artful

-young scoundrel. He's just taken in Uncle Anthony

-by his artful ways, and is laying a trap

-for his money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I see now," said James, quickly. "That's

-what he meant by not caring about losing his

-place in my father's shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll go and warn my uncle against him," said

-Lyman. "Boys, will you show me the shortest

-way to the cabin?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly, with pleasure."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Pleased with the idea of getting Mark into a

-scrape, James guided the disappointed nephew to

-the hermit's dwelling.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch19' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIX. <br /> THE HERMIT RECEIVES A CALL.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Old</span> Anthony was sitting in his doorway,

-thoughtfully smoking a pipe, when, chancing to

-lift his eyes, his gaze fell upon the figure of his

-nephew advancing towards the cabin. It was a

-surprise, and not a pleasant one. He could not

-divine Lyman's object in making this second

-visit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How are you getting along, Uncle Anthony?"

-inquired Lyman, in a conciliatory tone.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you come all the way from New York

-to ask me that question?" said the hermit,

-dryly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, not altogether. Still, I wanted to

-know whether you were better."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have got over my rheumatic attack," said

-Anthony, shortly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm very glad. At your age it must be uncomfortable

-to be sick—especially in such a place.

-Can't I persuade you to come to New York, and

-take comfortable lodgings?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why should you desire it? Perhaps you

-would propose to live with me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And if I did, being your only relative, it would

-be natural enough. With your means——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you know of my means?" demanded

-the hermit, sharply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have reason to think you are better off

-than your position would indicate," announced

-Lyman, watching the effect of the assertion on

-his uncle.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What reason?" inquired Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, I know you were very successful in

-California—after I left you. You struck it rich,

-made a great deal of money, and then sold the

-claim for a good round sum."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Anthony's countenance did not change, though

-the communication was by no means a welcome

-one.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How much of this money do you think I have

-now?" he asked, at length.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I don't propose to tell you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know you have some of it!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very possibly. I cannot live for nothing."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I know where you keep it," added Lyman,

-provoked by his uncle's manner.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Indeed!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But I can't commend your prudence in putting

-your money where it is so likely to be found—and

-taken."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Be a little more explicit. Let me know just

-what you mean."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Burying money in the ground is not very

-wise."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony was taken by surprise, and showed

-it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So you know this? Where did you obtain

-the information?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"From some one who saw you and the boy,

-Mark, digging for it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well," said the old man, quietly, "I know of

-no better place. People are honest round here,

-and it will not be taken."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I agree with you there, Uncle Anthony. It

-won't be taken for a very good reason. There is

-none there. The jar is empty."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How do you know this, Lyman?" demanded

-the hermit, with a searching look.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman hesitated, but it seemed necessary to

-tell the truth.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because, when I learned that you had been

-so imprudent as to let the boy into your secret, I

-concluded at once that he would take advantage

-of his knowledge, and rob you. I therefore uncovered

-the place, and found it as I suspected.

-The jar is empty."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony betrayed no excitement on hearing

-this.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is quite true," he said, quietly. "All the

-gold has been taken."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You knew this?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly. I took the last gold piece myself.

-Having no occasion for the jar, I left it there.

-You are certainly very kind to take so much

-interest in the safety of my property, but it is

-needless. I am still able to take care of what

-money I have left."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman's face fell. He began to suspect that

-this was only too true.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch20' class='c007'>CHAPTER XX. <br /> HOW LYMAN SUCCEEDED.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>I am</span> afraid you misjudge me, Uncle Anthony,"

-said Lyman, after a pause, during which

-he reflected that his best course was, if possible,

-to make a favorable impression upon the relative

-who might be in possession of considerable

-property. "I am afraid that you are prejudiced

-against me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You must admit that I have reason," said

-his uncle, dryly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is true," replied Lyman, with an engaging

-frankness; "I did not treat you well in California."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should say not. You disappeared, carrying

-away two thousand dollars, leaving me penniless."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course I was wrong. Still you had the

-claim, out of which you made a good deal more

-within a short time."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"When you left me," said the hermit, quietly,

-"it looked as if it were worthless. That it

-proved otherwise, was my good fortune."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I won't argue the matter, Uncle Anthony. I

-was young and heedless."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wicked would be a better word."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I have had bad luck; I am almost penniless

-now. If you would be willing to help

-me——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"To what extent do you want help?" asked

-Anthony, abruptly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If you could lend me fifty dollars, it would

-set me on my feet."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And in a week or two you would be coming

-back for more."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Upon my honor——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How much honor have you?" asked his

-uncle, contemptuously. "Would you like to go

-West?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then I will give you the means of getting

-there."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman was under the impression that his uncle

-proposed to hand him a sum of money, out of

-which he decided to buy a western ticket if it

-suited his convenience; Uncle Anthony would

-be none the wiser.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, uncle, if you will give me a hundred

-dollars, I will go to Chicago, and seek there a

-chance to make an honest livelihood."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony took out a memorandum book,

-tore a leaf from it, and wrote a few lines, which

-he handed to his nephew.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What is this?" asked Lyman, suspiciously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is an order on a friend of mine in New

-York for a Chicago railroad ticket."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And the money?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He will give you an order on a firm in Chicago

-for the balance of the money, which will be

-paid you there."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman's countenance fell. It was clear that

-the trick which he intended to play on his uncle

-would be impossible.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It seems to me," he said, "it would be better

-to give me the money at once."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't think so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope you have no suspicions of my good

-faith."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I won't express my opinion on that subject.

-I will only say that the arrangement I have

-suggested suits me best."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well," said Lyman, slowly, "I will try to

-win your good opinion. I am afraid I have not

-money enough to get back to the city."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He had over ten dollars in his pocket at that

-moment, but it struck him that he had a good

-excuse for securing a little more.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The hermit smiled contemptuously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then suppose I had had no money to give you—how

-would you have got back to the city?

-Perhaps you meant to stay with me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will, Uncle Anthony, if you desire it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you. I won't trouble you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should have had to walk back. But, uncle,

-I can't leave you without a word of warning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That boy, Mark, I am sure is scheming to

-rob you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you know of Mark?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know the reputation he bears in the town.

-I know he has been discharged from the shoe-shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who told you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Two boys whom I met. One is the son of

-Mark's employer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know the boys you mean. They dislike

-Mark, but I prefer him to them."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>A noise was heard at the door, and Mark entered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He looked in surprise at the visitor, whom he

-instantly recognized.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You see, Mark," said the hermit, "my

-nephew has kindly called to see me again. He

-felt anxious about my health."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I feel relieved to find you so much better,

-uncle," said Lyman, by no means abashed at the

-hermit's ironical words.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is the more creditable to him, this solicitude,

-because he had only money enough to pay

-his fare one way. Mark, you may give him five

-dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well, sir,"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark drew a five-dollar gold piece from his

-pocket, and handed it to Lyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does Mark carry all your money, uncle?"

-asked Lyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not quite all."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope he won't take a fancy to travel at

-your expense."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark's face flushed indignantly, but he left old

-Anthony to answer for him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have perfect confidence in Mark," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir," Mark responded, gratefully.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you anything for me to do this morning?"

-the boy asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; I will give you a list of articles which

-you may bring me from the village to-morrow."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then I will return, as I have some work to

-do at home."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will go along with you, Mark," said Lyman,

-suddenly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If you wish," answered Mark, but he would

-rather have gone alone.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good-by, Uncle Anthony. It may be a good

-while before I see you again. If you need me at

-any time, write or telegraph."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will bear it in mind," said the old man,

-dryly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark and the dutiful nephew left the cabin

-together.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You've got a soft place, youngster," Lyman

-began.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have an easy place, and a kind employer,"

-said Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So you carry the old man's money, hey?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Some of it," answered Mark, eying his companion,

-suspiciously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't looked scared, boy. I'm not going to

-rob you. I only want to ask you a few questions.

-How much money did you and he take from that

-buried jar the other day?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who told you about it?" asked Mark, in surprise.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"O, I know more about the old man's affairs

-than you suppose," chuckled Lyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can't tell you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Won't, you mean," returned Lyman, scowling.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have no right to do so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Look here, boy, do you know that I am my

-uncle's heir?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He never told me so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then I tell you so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hear you, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll tell you something else. I believe you are

-trying to worm yourself into my uncle's confidence,

-so as to rob him—and me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Your thinking so doesn't make it so," said

-Mark, angrily.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I warn you that you had better think twice

-before you play such a dangerous game. You

-have a bad reputation in the village."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who told you so?" demanded Mark, indignantly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Two of your companions."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"James Collins and Tom Wyman probably!"

-said Mark, contemptuously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know you were discharged from your place

-in the shoe-shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But for no good reason."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's what you say. How much money of

-my uncle's have you in your pocket?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That I don't choose to tell," said Mark, firmly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman felt a strong inclination to take the

-money by force, but prudence restrained him.

-In that case, the order which he carried would

-not be honored, and he would probably lose more

-than he would gain.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was apprehensive of an attack, and it

-was with joy that he caught sight a little way in

-advance of James and Tom, whom under other

-circumstances he would not have cared to meet.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You will now have company," he said, "and

-I will hurry along."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman did not oppose his purpose, and joined

-the two boys.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch21' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIX. <br /> ALL ABOARD FOR NEW YORK.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>The</span> next day Mark found a letter in the post-office

-directed to Anthony Taylor. According to

-custom it appeared in a written list containing

-the letters of those who had no boxes.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark called for it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who is Anthony Taylor?" asked Tom Wyman,

-who happened to be attending the office for

-his father.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony," as the boys call him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wonder if there's money in it!" said Tom,

-holding up the letter, and trying to peep inside.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's none of our business," answered

-Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, you're mighty virtuous!" sneered Tom.

-"If there is any money, I'll bet you'll get a share

-of it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I get no money except my wages."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How much does he pay you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would rather not tell," returned Mark, with

-a smile. "You might try to get my place

-away."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"As if I would work for an old tramp like the

-hermit!" exclaimed Tom, disdainfully. "I suppose

-he pays you about a dollar a week."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's better than doing nothing, isn't it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, it's better for you. I don't want your

-place. I shall go to the city when my school days

-are over."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wish you good luck, Tom, whenever you

-do," said Mark, good-naturedly. "I must hurry

-along with my letter."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A letter for you, Mr. Taylor," announced

-Mark, as he entered the cabin.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"From John Hardy," said the hermit, as he

-scanned the address.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He opened the letter and read as follows:</p>

-<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>My Dear Old Friend</span>: Your will is drafted

-and ready for signature. You had better come

-up to the city, and sign it. I know your reluctance

-to leave your forest home, but it will

-occur to you at once that your signature must

-be witnessed, and though witnesses might be

-found in Pocasset, it would involve a degree of

-publicity which I presume you would wish to

-avoid. Here I can easily get it witnessed by my

-clerks.</p>

-

-<p class='c015'>"I suggest that you bring the boy, Mark, with

-you, as he may be of service to you. Moreover,

-I think it is high time that we spoke to him of

-the mission on which you propose to send him.</p>

-

-<p class='c015'>"Your worthy nephew, Lyman, called upon me

-to-day with your letter. He wished me to furnish

-him with the money needed for his ticket,

-but I thought it better to send a clerk to purchase

-the ticket, and see him fairly off. He has just

-returned, and reports that Lyman is on the way

-to Chicago. I think you showed considerable

-shrewdness in securing his removal from this

-neighborhood. He may return, to be sure, but

-the chances are that he will spend all the money,

-and find himself stranded in Chicago. If this

-compels him to work for a living, no harm will

-result.</p>

-<div class='lg-container-r c016'>

-  <div class='linegroup'>

-    <div class='group'>

-      <div class='line'>"Your friend as ever.</div>

-      <div class='line'>"<span class='sc'>John Hardy.</span>"</div>

-    </div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony laid down the letter thoughtfully.

-He was reluctant to go to New York, but saw

-that it was necessary. His reluctance was diminished

-by the prospect of having Mark's company.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark," he said, "can you go to New York

-with me to-morrow?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark stared at his employer in amazement.

-The proposal was very unexpected.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am obliged to go up on business," explained

-the hermit. "I wish I could delegate it to you,

-but I must attend to it myself. It is so long

-since I have been in a crowd, that I believe I

-shall need some one to take care of me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall be very happy to accompany you, sir,"

-said Mark, with alacrity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"At what time does the morning train leave

-the station?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nine o'clock, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then meet me there at fifteen minutes before

-the hour."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All right, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"When shall we return?" asked Mark, after

-a pause.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"When does the afternoon train leave the

-city?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"At three o'clock."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We will return then."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I only wanted to tell my mother when to expect

-me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It must be admitted that old Anthony looked

-like an antediluvian figure in his old-fashioned

-coat, with a short waist and long tails, as he

-stood on the platform the next morning waiting

-for the train. Two or three of the village boys

-laughed rudely, but the hermit was buried in

-thought, and took no notice of them. Mark,

-himself, thought his employer looked queer, but

-he saw nothing to laugh at.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you going to town with old Anthony?"

-asked one of the boys.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"People will take him for your grandfather."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't mind."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He looks like a rusty old tramp. His coat

-looks as if it was made in the year one."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He has a right to consult his own taste. He

-has been kind to me, and I don't care to listen to

-any rude remarks."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You may buy two tickets, Mark," said the

-hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark did so.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Just as he was leaving the ticket-window, his

-former employer, Mr. Collins, the shoe manufacturer,

-took his place.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you going to the city?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who goes with you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The—the hermit."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh!" returned the manufacturer, arching his

-brows, "are you working for him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You might have been working for me, if you

-had behaved yourself."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am satisfied with the change," answered

-Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That boy is impertinent," soliloquized the village

-magnate. "He can't get much pay from a

-pauper. However, it serves him right. Of

-course, it is only pride that makes him profess to

-be satisfied."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark would have been surprised, had he known

-that Mr. Collins was going up to the city to call

-upon the person with whom the hermit had business.

-Such was the fact, however. Mr. Collins

-had applied to Mr. Hardy for a sum of four

-thousand dollars, mortgaging therefor, his large

-shoe manufactory, which had originally cost

-double this sum.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>As Mr. Hardy told old Anthony, he had ventured

-into Wall Street, and the losses he had incurred

-there, had forced him to raise money in

-this way.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>To-day had been fixed by Mr. Hardy for the

-execution of the papers, and the transfer of the

-sum required. Twelve o'clock was the hour appointed

-by Mr. Hardy, for his business with the

-manufacturer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What on earth can carry that old scarecrow

-up to New York?" thought Mr. Collins, as he

-eyed curiously old Anthony, who, with Mark,

-was seated a few steps in front of him, in the

-same car. "I suppose he has a pension from

-some source, and is going to collect it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It may be remarked that James Collins had

-never communicated to his father the discovery

-made in the forest, connected with the pot of

-gold.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch22' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXII. <br /> IN AN OFFICE ON BROADWAY.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mr. Hardy's</span> office was in a large, high building,

-on Broadway. It was the fifth floor, but

-there was an elevator constantly running, which

-made it nearly as easy of access as if it had been

-on the first.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark had never before ridden in an elevator,

-and he enjoyed the novelty of it. From a directory,

-near the entrance, they ascertained that

-Mr. Hardy occupied office No. 55, and this was

-easily found.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Welcome to New York," said the agent, advancing

-cordially, to greet his visitors. "Good

-morning, Mark. So you have piloted my old

-friend safely."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think he has piloted me, sir. I know very

-little of the city."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have not been here for five years," said

-Anthony, reflectively. "I am unused to the

-noise, and it confuses me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I like it," said Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are young, and enjoy new and busy

-scenes," said Mr. Hardy. "Would you like to

-travel?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very much, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps you may some time."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid it will be a long time before I am

-able."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Possibly not."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark, however, did not detect any special

-significance in these words.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You may sit down here, and read a morning

-paper, Mark," said the agent, "while I transact

-a little business with Mr. Taylor."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The two entered an inner office, where Mr.

-Hardy produced an official-looking document, to

-which he called the attention of the hermit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Read it over," he said, "and see if it meets

-your views."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Precisely," answered Anthony, after he had

-taken the time necessary to read it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then it may as well be signed at once."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mr. Hardy summoned three clerks from the

-outer office, and in their presence as witnesses

-the will was signed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose I may as well leave the document

-with you, John," said Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It will be as well. Now, about the other

-matter. It seems to me you may as well send

-Mark at once in search of some clue to the possible

-existence of a grandchild. Before doing so,

-however, may I suggest something?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't like the idea of your living in that

-lonely cabin. Why can't you seek a home in the

-house of your young secretary? Has he a good

-mother?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She is a very worthy woman."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Has she a room for you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you think of my proposal?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have been thinking of such a change myself.

-For the first time in five years I am beginning

-to find my cabin home monotonous."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad to hear it. You will be much better

-off in a home where you can be taken care

-of."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will attend to the matter without delay on

-my return."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So far, so good. Now, let me call in Mark,

-and speak to him of our plan."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark, at the summons, entered the back

-office.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark," said Mr. Hardy, "we want you to

-take a journey."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall be very glad to do so, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It will be a long one."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The longer the better," answered Mark, his

-eyes sparkling.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Your first stopping place will be Chicago."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should like nothing better," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The commission will be to trace out Mr. Taylor's

-daughter, and find out whether she left a

-child. Necessary instructions will be given in

-writing."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think I am old enough?" asked Mark,

-excited but doubtful whether he was competent

-for the duty assigned him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Discretion is more needful than age," answered

-Mr. Hardy. "Perhaps an older messenger

-would be better, but as my friend wishes to

-avoid publicity, he is disposed to try you. Would

-your mother be willing to have you go?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think so, sir, but I hate to leave her

-alone."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor proposes to board with her while

-you are absent, if you think she would be willing

-to receive him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know she would be glad to secure such a

-boarder," answered Mark, quickly; "with that

-help she would be able to get along very well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then that matter is probably settled. Now

-a few words to guide you in your quest."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>These words need not be repeated here, as in

-following Mark's journey it will be understood

-what they were.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Their business concluded, Mark and the hermit

-left the office and descended to the ground floor.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They were just leaving the building when

-Squire Collins entered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He arched his brows in surprise. "You here?"

-he said, addressing Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"On what errand?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was privately of opinion that he had as

-much right to ask the manufacturer's business

-as the latter his, but he answered: "Mr. Taylor

-had business here."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins smiled contemptuously. It did

-not strike him that the hermit's business was

-likely to be of any great moment. So people

-often deceive themselves and assume a superiority

-to which they have little claim.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Probably old Anthony has just been paid his

-pension," he thought, as he left them, and made

-his way to the elevator.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He, too, ascended to the fifth floor, and leaving

-it there went to John Hardy's office.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mr. Collins," said Hardy.

-He knew nothing of the manufacturer's home

-title. "I shall be at leisure in five minutes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The five minutes passed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now I am at your service," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you decided to let me have the money,

-Mr. Hardy?" asked the manufacturer, trying to

-conceal his anxiety.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Taking as security a mortgage on your manufactory?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I can let you have it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins looked much relieved.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You will find the security ample," he said.

-"The building is worth double the sum I am

-borrowing."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is it well insured?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The policies of insurance must be placed in

-my hands."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I have to take all precautions, as the money

-is not mine, but belongs to a boy for whom I am

-trustee."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I see."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins had no curiosity as to the name

-of the boy referred to. He would have been very

-much amazed had he been told that it was the

-very boy whom he had discharged from his employment

-only a short time previous. For that

-matter, Mark would have been quite as much

-surprised.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In the course of half an hour the proper papers

-had been made out, a check for four thousand

-dollars handed to Squire Collins, and the shoe

-manufacturer left the office in as good spirits as

-Mark had done half an hour before.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"By-the-way," remarked the Squire at his

-supper table that evening, "I met two persons

-from Pocasset in the city to-day."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who were they?" asked James.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony and Mark Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What could have taken them to the city?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I presume Anthony receives a small pension

-from some source, and went up to collect it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think it very likely," said James, thinking

-of what he had seen in the forest. "I presume

-it isn't much."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Probably not."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't think he'd have gone to the expense

-of taking Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The old man looked dazed. I presume he

-doesn't feel safe in going alone."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very likely Mark asked to go. He's fastened

-himself on the old man, and means to get all he

-can out of him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It is wonderful how prejudice colors our

-opinion of others.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch23' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIII. <br /> MARK'S MISSION.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Three</span> days later, two things puzzled the good

-people of Pocasset. One was the removal of old

-Anthony from his lonely cabin to the small but

-comfortable cottage of Mrs. Manning. It was

-voted by the village people a very sensible move,

-but they were at a loss to understand how the

-recluse had been persuaded to change his mode of

-life. It was generally supposed that he was quite

-poor, but the two or three dollars a week he

-would be able to pay the widow would be a help.

-A room on the second floor was appropriated to

-old Anthony, where he spent much of his time.

-Every day, however, he wandered off to the

-woods, which had been his residence for several

-years. Though he said little, he was soon convinced

-that he had bettered himself by his removal.

-Mrs. Manning provided plain, well-cooked

-meals, which were far more attractive

-than the extemporized lunches with which he had

-thus far been content.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>There was another circumstance, however, that

-equally puzzled the good people of the village.

-This was the disappearance of Mark. He was

-no longer seen walking about the streets, and

-many were the inquiries made of his mother as to

-where he had gone. At the request of old Anthony

-she answered very indefinitely. She could not

-tell just where Mark was, but he was employed.

-He would probably be home in a few

-weeks.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Among those whose curiosity was most keen

-were James Collins and Tom Wyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where do you think Mark has gone?" said

-James one day, throwing away a half-smoked

-cigarette.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know any more than the man in the

-moon," answered Tom. "I asked his mother the

-other day when I met her in the street, but I

-couldn't get any satisfaction out of her."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he has gone to the city in search of

-a place."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He can't get anything to do here. Father

-won't take him back into the shop."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He was at work for old Anthony."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That couldn't amount to much. The hermit

-is as poor as Job's turkey."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know this? How about the gold we

-saw?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was all he had," said James, who was in

-the habit of jumping at conclusions. "My father

-says he gets a small pension from some person in

-the city. Some rich relative, I suppose, is taking

-care of him. Do you know, Tom, I should be

-glad to come across Mark blacking boots, or selling

-papers in the city?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He is so mighty independent—poor and proud—that

-I believe he actually thinks himself as

-good as you or I."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He is pretty pert, that's a fact."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If he were only humble, and showed that he

-knew his place, I'd get father to take him back

-into the shop. It's his own fault that he got

-discharged."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's a good thing for his mother having a

-boarder, as Mark isn't able to help her."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Pooh! what does that amount to? He probably

-pays two or three dollars a week. However,

-I suppose that's a good deal to her."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark would have been amused, but not surprised,

-if he could have heard this conversation between

-his two old companions. At present, however,

-he had other things to occupy his attention.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He had already reached Chicago and was staying

-there a day or two before going farther.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>His ultimate destination was Claremont, in

-Indiana, the place where the daughter of the

-hermit was understood to have died. It was about

-seventy-five miles from Chicago, and could be

-reached in three hours. Mark felt that he could

-do no better in his brief stay in Chicago than walk

-about, and make himself familiar with the principal

-streets and avenues, and gain some knowledge

-of the western metropolis.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He kept his eyes wide open, and noticed all

-that came in his way. Everywhere throngs of

-busy wayfarers, and not one of whom he had

-ever seen before. It seemed strange to him, for

-in Pocasset he knew everybody.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The world is larger than I thought," he reflected,

-"and there are more people in it. I wish

-I could see one familiar face."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He had hardly formulated the wish when his

-glance rested on a form that seemed strangely

-familiar. It was a man, tall, slender, with a

-slouching gait.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That must be Lyman Taylor," he decided,

-with a natural start of astonishment.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It was indeed the man whom he had last seen

-in the woods at Pocasset. He had not thought

-to meet him, though he remembered now to have

-heard that Lyman had been sent to the West by

-his uncle.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>On the whole, Mark was not as much pleased as

-he expected to see this familiar face. He did not

-care to be recognized, as Lyman might have his

-curiosity excited, and make him trouble.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Suddenly Lyman turned, and his glance fell

-upon Mark. The boy lowered his head, and

-walked on without notice. Lyman did not recognize

-him, though he was vaguely conscious of

-something familiar in Mark's appearance. But

-before he left New York, Mark had been provided

-with a new check traveling suit, and a hat of a

-different style from the one he was accustomed

-to wear.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Moreover, Lyman had no thought of meeting

-the country boy in a western city. So he turned

-his glance in a different direction, and descended

-the steps that led to a basement pool and billiard

-room.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would follow him down there, if I dared

-risk discovery," thought Mark. "However, it is

-none of my business what he does, as long as he

-doesn't annoy his uncle."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor would have been glad to see

-Mark, or any one else representing his uncle.

-The sum he had brought away with him had

-nearly all melted away, and his prospects were

-by no means brilliant. The thought of engaging

-in any employment by which he might earn an

-honest and independent livelihood was by no

-means attractive to him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In the afternoon of the second day Mark started

-by train for Claremont, and arrived at the Claremont

-Hotel in time for supper.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He found Claremont to be a fair sized town,

-containing perhaps four thousand inhabitants.

-It seemed to be growing rapidly, like most western

-towns favorably situated. After a comfortable

-supper he bethought himself of whom he could

-make inquiries as to the object of his journey.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>As he sat in the office, a tall man, with long

-hair, and a look of speculation in his eyes accosted

-him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you just arrived in town, young man?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," answered Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you calculatin' to settle here?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir; I am only here on a little business."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Drummer, I reckon!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir; I do not represent any business

-house."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You do look rather young for a drummer,

-but you said you were travelin' on business."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My business is of a different nature, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just so! if I can help you, I will. I am Colonel

-Enoch Tarbox, well-known hereabouts."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you for your offer. If you will allow

-me, I will ask you one or two questions."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Go ahead, young man; I'm ready to give

-you any information in my power."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am in search of a family named Ransom,

-who lived here some years ago."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"John Ransom?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You won't find him; he's dead."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I have heard. Did you know him or his

-wife?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've drank with John Ransom many a time

-at this very bar. He was rather fond of a social

-glass."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you know his wife?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've seen her often. She's dead too. They

-both died of a fever."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose they had no children," said Mark,

-putting the question anxiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Let me see," said the colonel slowly, evidently

-searching his memory; "yes, I believe there was

-a child, a little boy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is he alive?" asked Mark eagerly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There you've got me, stranger. Children

-ain't much in my line. I never heerd of Ransom's

-child dying. I reckon it left town though."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where could I get any information about it,

-do you think?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Colonel Tarbox reflected.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I reckon you'd better go to Mrs. Finn; she

-was intimate with Mrs. Ransom. She lives in

-the little white cottage alongside of the Presbyterian

-church."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Colonel Tarbox; I am much indebted

-to you for what you have told me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't mention it. Won't you take a drink?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This kind offer Mark declined rather to the

-colonel's dissatisfaction. He decided to call upon

-Mrs. Finn the next day.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch24' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIV. <br /> WHAT MARK DISCOVERED.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>As</span> the clock on the Presbyterian church struck

-nine, Mark stood knocking at the door of the

-little cottage hard by.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The door was opened by a comely woman of

-middle age, who, not recognizing Mark, looked

-at him inquiringly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What can I do for you?" she asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My name is Mark Manning," said Mark, introducing

-himself. "I have been directed to

-you as likely to give me some information about

-Mrs. Ransom, who—"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes," interrupted Mrs. Finn, not waiting

-for Mark to finish his sentence. "Poor dear!

-I know all about her. Come in, do!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>She led the way into the neat sitting-room,

-where she invited Mark to be seated. Then she

-changed parts with Mark and began to ask questions.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you related to Mrs. Ransom?" she asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No," answered Mark, "but I come from one

-who is."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Alas, it is too late! The poor woman is dead."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I know that, but did she leave a child?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, a little boy. She sat great store by

-little Jack."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And what has become of him?" asked Mark,

-eagerly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is more than I can tell. A tall gentleman—I

-don't rightly know his name—appeared

-at the funeral, said he was a relation, and took

-off little Jack to St. Louis, I think."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A tall gentleman—a relation!" repeated

-Mark, surprised. "What was his appearance?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was destined to be surprised, for Mrs.

-Finn's description tallied exactly with the appearance

-of Lyman Taylor. This was a surprising

-discovery. Mark was sharp enough to guess

-that Lyman's object was to remove from his

-path any rival claimant to his uncle's property,

-supposing him to possess any.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I know who you mean," he said, after

-a pause.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Was it really a relation of Mrs. Ransom?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If it was the one I suppose, it was her cousin."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad to hear it. Then poor Jack was

-taken care of."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am not sure about that," said Mark, gravely.

-"Though a relative, he is a selfish, bad man, and

-I am afraid he meant the poor boy no good."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good gracious!" exclaimed Mrs. Finn,

-startled, "you don't think he would murder the

-innocent child?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I don't think that, but I think he wanted

-to put him where his grandfather would never

-find him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is it his grandfather you come from, then?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; he does not even know of his grandchild's

-existence, but if I find him, the boy will

-never need any other protector. Can you tell me

-anything of Mrs. Ransom—of her husband?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Poor Mrs. Ransom was a sweet woman, who

-deserved a better fate. As for her husband, he

-was a drunkard, and a loafer. Those are hard

-words, but he deserved them both. They hadn't

-much money, but what there was he spent for

-liquor at the hotel yonder. More than once his

-poor wife and little child wouldn't have had any

-breakfast if I hadn't taken some over."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>And warm-hearted Mrs. Finn wiped away a

-tear.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did her husband treat her very badly? Did

-he beat her?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid he did when he was very far gone,

-but, poor thing! she never complained. She

-always looked sad, though, and she didn't enjoy

-her life very much."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did she ever speak of her father?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Once only. She told me she had ill-treated,

-him, and been a disobedient daughter. I think

-it was in marrying Ransom."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did she ever write to him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She told me she did once, but never received

-an answer. 'He won't forgive me,' she said, with

-a sigh, and never wrote again."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am sure he did not receive the letter, Mrs.

-Finn. If he had, he would have noticed it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope so; at any rate she was sadder than

-ever when no letter came to her in return. Finally,

-her husband took sick with a fever. Bad as he

-had been to her, she nursed him like a devoted

-wife as she was. But she couldn't save him.

-Hardly was he dead, when she, too, caught sick,

-and in the end she died. While she was sick I

-took little Jack home, for fear he would catch the

-fever too. I was thinking of adopting him after

-his mother's death, when the man I spoke of called

-and took away the boy, saying he would provide

-for him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And that was—how many years ago?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nearly six, I think."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I suppose you have neither seen nor

-heard of him since?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Finn shook her head.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where does little Jack's grandfather live?"

-she asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Near New York."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is he a rich man?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Moderately rich. He is well able to take care

-of his grandson, if he could find him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wish I could tell you more, I am sure," said

-Mrs. Finn heartily. "If the poor boy yet lives,

-Heaven knows what his condition may be. If

-you could find the man that took him away——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can," answered Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then why don't you go to him, and ask him

-where to find the child?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because it is against his interests to have

-him found. He and the little boy are the only

-heirs to the grandfather's property. His uncle

-has good reason to dislike him, and if the boy is

-found, Lyman Taylor will get nothing, I feel sure."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, well! What wickedness there is in the

-world!" ejaculated Mrs. Finn. "What will you

-do?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know. I shall have to consider."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did the grandfather send you out here?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Excuse my remarking that you are very

-young to undertake such a responsible task."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think so myself, Mrs. Finn," Mark answered,

-modestly. "But it so happened that he hadn't

-much choice. I shall do my best, and if I can't

-find him, I shall go home and report, and advise

-Mr. Taylor to send an older and more competent

-person."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You won't be offended by what I said?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly not. Any one would think as you

-do. Is there any other information you can give

-me, Mrs. Finn?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Finn shook her head.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid not," she said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are sure the boy was carried to St.

-Louis?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Quite certain."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I might go to St. Louis, but without any clue

-I am afraid I should stand little chance of succeeding."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You might advertise."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is true," said Mark. "Indeed, it appears

-to be the only thing I can do. How old

-would the boy be now?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About eight years old, I think."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark took out a small memorandum book, and

-noted down the small amount of information he

-had obtained.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It did not appear to be much, and yet it was of

-great importance. He had ascertained that Mrs.

-Ransom had left a child, and moreover that

-Lyman Taylor had been aware of the fact, and

-had conspired to keep its existence from old

-Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does he know where it is now?" Mark asked

-himself.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was inclined to think not. Shortly after

-the boy was carried away, Lyman had gone East,

-got into trouble, and served a term of some years

-in a prison.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>During those years, probably the boy had

-drifted out of his knowledge. Doubtless he could

-furnish a clue, but for obvious reasons, it would

-not do to apply to him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am very much obliged to you for your information,"

-said Mark, as he rose to go.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are heartily welcome, sir. Would you

-mind writing me, if you find out anything about

-poor Jack?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will certainly do so, Mrs. Finn. I shall lose

-no time in going to St. Louis."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Heaven speed you, and bring you success,"

-said Mrs. Finn, fervently.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch25' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXV. <br /> THE LITTLE MATCH BOY.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Matches</span>! Matches! Here's your nice

-matches!" was heard in a shrill treble, proceeding

-from a little boy on Clark Street, in Chicago.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He looked thin and pale, and it was easy to

-see the poor little fellow was poorly fed, as well

-as ill-clad.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Only five cents a package!" the little fellow

-continued to cry; and he looked wistfully in the

-faces of those who passed him, hoping for a possible

-purchaser.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Clear out of my way there, you brat!" said

-a rough voice. "Do you want to take up the

-whole sidewalk?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The boy shrank timidly, as the man who had

-addressed him swaggered by. He would not

-have dared to resent the rudeness, but another

-did. It was a stout, and healthy-looking woman,

-with a large basket on her arm, whose heart

-warmed towards the poor little match boy, sent

-out so early to earn his livelihood.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You ought to be ashamed to speak to the

-poor boy that way!" she said, warmly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mind your business, woman!" retorted Lyman

-Taylor, for it was he whose rough speech

-had been quoted.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I always do," said the woman. "It's my

-business to speak my mind to such brutes as

-you!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman vented his wrath in a volley of oaths,

-for his language was by no means choice, when

-his anger was excited. He might have been

-more prudent, if he had known that a policeman

-was just behind.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Stop that, my man, unless you want me to

-take you in!" said the burly officer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor turned sharply round, but

-quailed when he saw the officer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"This woman has insulted me," he said, sullenly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I just spoke to him for abusin' that poor

-match boy," said the good woman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I heard it all," said the officer. "Move on,

-my man, and behave yourself, if you don't want

-to get into trouble."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Such a scene was sure to attract a small crowd.

-One kind-hearted man drew out a dime from his

-pocket and handed it to the match boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Here, my lad," he said; "take this, and

-I hope it'll do you good."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Here are two boxes of matches for you, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, keep them. I give you the money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Here's another dime," said a young man, of

-literary aspect. He was a reporter on one of the

-Chicago daily papers, who, in spite of the cases of

-poverty and privation that came under his notice

-every day, still preserved a warm and sympathetic

-heart.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Then a lady followed his example, and in the

-end, the match boy had received a sum much

-larger than the value of his small stock-in-trade.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor's rudeness had proved to him a

-piece of good luck, in opening the hearts of those

-who would otherwise have passed him by without

-notice.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Smiling with pleasure at the child's good fortune,

-the good woman who had resented Lyman's

-rudeness so warmly, went on her way. If all

-had hearts as warm, there would be little misery

-or suffering in the world. It is often those who

-have little, that are most ready to help others

-poorer than themselves. I must not omit to add,

-that among the contributors to the little match boy's

-fund was the policeman, who placed a

-nickel in his hands, with the admonition to

-"brace up and be a good boy!" This was true

-charity, for out of his salary the officer had to

-support a large family of his own, and therefore

-had very few nickels to spare. He was bluff of

-aspect, but kind of heart.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's a shame to send out such a child on the

-streets," he said to himself. "Think of my Rob

-having to lead such a life!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The policeman looked sober, for, should anything

-happen to him, as in his exposed life might

-very well happen, he knew not what would be

-the fate of his little ones. They might be as

-badly off as the poor match boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The little match boy's thin face showed signs of

-satisfaction as he looked at the collection of small

-coins which had been given him by the pitying

-crowd. He turned into an alleyway and counted

-it. It amounted to seventy-six cents. This was

-a phenomenal sum for the small merchant. And

-the best of it was, he had his stock of merchandise

-left.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>A thought entered the little boy's mind,

-prompted by his craving for food.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Would it be wrong for me to take a little of

-this money and buy me some dinner?" he said to

-himself. "I am <i>so</i> hungry. Aunt Peggy only

-gave me a slice of bread for breakfast, and it's

-most two o'clock now."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Only a slice of bread, and he had been walking

-about for hours, trying to sell matches. The

-fruit of all his labor was the sale of two boxes at

-five cents each. But he had seventy-six cents

-besides, and they were his. They had not been

-given to Aunt Peggy, but to him. So, at least,

-he reasoned. Not that he meant to keep it all

-himself. He intended to give the greater part to

-the woman who was the only guardian he knew,

-but he thought he had a right to use fifteen

-cents for himself. It wasn't much, but he knew

-a place—a cheap place—where for this sum he

-could get a cup of coffee and a plate of beefsteak.

-At the thought of this delicious repast the match

-boy's mouth watered. When had he eaten

-meat? Three days ago Peggy had given him a

-bone to pick. There was not much on it, but

-when he had got through with it there was none

-at all.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny could not resist the temptation. He

-suspended sales, and made his way to a cheap

-restaurant on a side street. With eager steps he

-entered, and sat down at a wooden table from

-which nearly all the paint had been worn off, and

-scanned the bill of fare.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It seemed to him that there was nothing better

-than the dish he had already mentally selected.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>A greasy looking waiter approached, and said

-sharply, "What'll you have, kid?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Cup o' coffee an' plate of beefsteak!" answered

-Johnny.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Sure yer got money enough to pay for it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have asked for it if I hadn't," said

-Johnny, emboldened by his unusual wealth.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All right, then! Sometimes chaps come in

-and order their dinner, and skip off before it

-comes time to pay."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The greasy looking waiter went to the back of

-the room, and soon returned with the banquet

-Johnny ordered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He set it down with a jerk.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch26' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVI. <br /> LUCK FAVORS LYMAN.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>No</span> patron of Delmonico's probably ever contemplated

-his sumptuous meal with more satisfaction

-than shone in the little match boy's eyes,

-as he gazed with watering mouth at the overdone,

-tough-looking steak, the mashed potato,

-the three slices of stale bread and dab of butter,

-which furnished the solid material of his meal.

-A cup of muddy coffee completed the bill of fare.

-After all, appetite is the best sauce, and Johnny

-had appetite enough to make his meal seem

-palatable.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny did not stand upon ceremony, but

-"pitched in." It is not an elegant expression,

-but it describes accurately the energy with which

-the boy disposed of his dinner. Ten minutes

-sufficed for its entire disappearance. There was

-not even a crumb left.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That was bully!" said Johnny to himself,

-with a sigh of supreme satisfaction "I wish I

-could have such a lay out every day."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>But he evidently thought this was unattainable

-happiness. He did not even think of reserving

-from his little fund, enough to provide a similar

-feast on the following day—partly because he was

-an honest little fellow, and partly because he

-stood in fear of the burly woman whom he called

-Aunt Peggy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have Aunt Peggy know I've been

-here for something," he thought.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>There seemed little chance of it, but, as ill

-luck would have it, as he was emerging from the

-restaurant, a boy he knew passed with a blacking-box

-on his shoulder.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What have you been doin' in there?" asked

-Tim Roach. "Been havin' yer dinner?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I just got a little to eat," answered Johnny,

-ill at ease.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Got any more money?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A little."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then just treat a feller, won't yer? I'll do as

-much for you to-morrer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can't, Tim, the money isn't mine."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You won't, you mean."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would if the money belonged to me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does Peggy know yer went in there?" asked

-Tim, slyly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't tell her, Tim! I was <i>so</i> hungry."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then treat!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can't, Tim!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"All right!" replied Tim, nodding. "I'll let

-Peggy know how you spend her money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Poor Johnny! These last words alarmed him

-terribly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor's stock of money was getting

-low. He was not a good financial manager. But

-even if he had been, he would not have been able

-long to live without work. When his stock of

-ready money was reduced to five dollars, he began

-to consider anxiously where he could obtain

-a further supply. It is not strange that his

-thoughts should have reverted to his uncle.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wonder if Uncle Anthony is well fixed or

-not. He got considerable money in California,

-but may have lost it. The old man is close-mouthed,

-and I can't worm the secret out of him.

-If I had any hold on him——" continued Lyman,

-thoughtfully.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He sauntered along till he came to a pool-room,

-connected with a cheap hotel, of the kind he

-was in the habit of frequenting. No one chanced

-to be playing, and by way of filling up the time

-he took up a St. Louis paper, and ran his eye

-listlessly over it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>But at one place in the advertising columns,

-his listlessness suddenly vanished, and his face

-assumed a look of eager interest. This was the

-advertisement that attracted his attention:</p>

-<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>Information Wanted.</span>—Any one who can

-give information concerning a child named Jack

-Ransom, who was brought to St. Louis a little

-more than five years since, is desired to communicate

-with Mark Manning, at the Planters' Hotel.

-The boy, if living, is now seven or eight years of

-age."</p>

-<p class='c013'>"Well, I'll be——hanged!" ejaculated Lyman

-Taylor. "How, in the name of all that's mysterious,

-has my uncle got hold of a clue to little

-Jack's existence?</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So he's sent that country cub—Mark Manning—out

-to investigate. He must be crazy to

-trust a green boy, who has always lived in the

-country.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But what beats me, is how he learned so

-much. I did take the boy to St. Louis, and

-placed him with an old woman, who very likely

-has starved or beaten him to death by this time.

-But suppose she hasn't," continued Lyman, after

-a pause.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Suppose the child is still living. If I could

-only find out, then I would have the hold on my

-uncle that I require. I would kidnap the boy,

-and not part with him under a good round

-sum."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman's face brightened, but only for an instant.

-It was a capital scheme, but how was he

-to get hold of the boy? How did he know if he

-were living?</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He would have been amazed if he had known

-that he had seen the boy that very day, selling

-matches in the streets.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>There was one thing, however, that seemed

-clear to Lyman. His uncle must still have a

-comfortable property, or he would not be able to

-send a messenger to St. Louis in search of his

-lost grandson.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The old man may have twenty thousand dollars,

-for aught I know," reflected Lyman; "and

-doesn't spend the income of half that as he lives

-now. No doubt that country boy has an inkling

-of it, and is planning to get hold of it. That boy

-is foxy, and knows what he is about, I'll be

-bound."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This estimate did not exactly agree with the

-one Lyman had recently expressed of Mark, but

-he did not think it necessary to be consistent.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Twenty thousand dollars!" he repeated, and

-his nephew almost starving here in Chicago. Oh,

-it was a cunning scheme to buy me off for a paltry

-sum, and give a free field to that boy. That's

-a pretty way for a man to treat his only living

-relation.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But who could have put it into his head that

-his grandson was alive? I presume the little

-beggar has kicked the bucket before this. If I

-only could get hold of him, I would make the

-old man pay handsomely for his return."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The chances, however, did not seem very flattering,

-and Lyman had no money to expend in

-searching for the boy, apart from the doubt

-whether he was still living. Gradually a new

-idea came to him. He might pick up some boy

-who would answer the purpose, whom he could

-palm off on his uncle as his grandson. True, it

-would be raising up a rival heir; but he was thoroughly

-persuaded that in no case did he himself

-stand any chance of succeeding to his uncle's

-property.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It will be worth something," he muttered,

-"to cut out that country boy. All I have to do,

-is to find a boy who is without relatives, and I

-can concoct some story that will impose upon

-Uncle Anthony. That little match boy, for

-instance! Why wouldn't he do?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman became so excited by his castle building,

-that he determined to lose no time in carrying

-out his design. He left the tavern, and

-retraced his steps to the place where he had encountered

-the match boy. Johnny, after eating

-his dinner, had resumed his business, and was

-within a block of the same place offering his

-wares to the passers by.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He was a little worried by Tim's threat to

-expose his extravagant dinner to the old woman

-with whom he lived, but persistently refused to

-buy off his persecutor.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I say, little boy, what's your name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny turned round at these words, and recognized

-in the man addressing him, the one with

-whom he had already had trouble. His face

-showed the fear which he not unnaturally felt.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't be frightened, my boy!" said Lyman,

-with an ingratiating smile. "I am afraid I was

-rough to you this morning. Don't mind it! I

-was worried about my business affairs, and

-didn't mean what I said. Shake hands, and let

-us be friends."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>With rather a bewildered look, Johnny allowed

-Lyman to take his small, thin hand, and looked

-perplexed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Come, you don't harbor no malice, my lad,

-do you?" said Lyman with a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No—o," answered Johnny, doubtfully.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The fact is, I feel an interest in you, my boy.

-You look like a little cousin of mine that I

-haven't seen since he was a baby."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny was more and more puzzled. The

-neglected little match boy was not used to such

-attention.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you ever live in St. Louis?" asked Lyman,

-at a venture.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the match boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman opened his eyes in surprise. He had

-not expected such an answer. Even then he did

-not suspect that Chance had led him to the very

-boy whom he desired to meet.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you any father or mother?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny could not understand why his questioner

-should be pleased to hear that he was an

-orphan. Lyman Taylor seemed to him a very

-incomprehensible man. He felt rather uncomfortable

-in his presence, and hoped the man would

-go away, and leave him to attend to his business.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who do you live with, then, sonny?" was

-Lyman's next question.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"With my aunt."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What is your aunt's name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I always call her Aunt Peggy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"<span class='sc'>What?</span>" exclaimed Lyman, in a tone that

-made the little match boy jump. "You live

-with an old woman named Peggy?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is she your aunt?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose so. I always call her Aunt Peggy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's the very boy!" was Lyman's exulting

-thought. "I'm in luck at last. Lyman, old

-man, your plans are going to be realized."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Were you ever called Jack?" he asked, anxiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; that's what Aunt Peggy calls me.

-Other people call me Johnny."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My boy," said Lyman, fervently, "I can't

-tell you how glad I am to see you. I am sure

-now you are my little cousin. Where does Peggy

-live?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The match boy named the place—a poor street

-in a poor neighborhood.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Take me there at once. I want to see your

-Aunt Peggy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But Peggy will be mad if I don't stay and

-sell matches, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Come along; I will make it right with her."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman took the little boy's hand, and the two

-turned off Clark Street, and went in pursuit of

-Peggy.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch27' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVII. <br /> OLD PEGGY.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Tim Roach</span> was not only selfish, but liked

-to make mischief. He resolved to be revenged

-upon Johnny for declining to "treat" him to a

-dinner, and having plenty of time on his hands,

-took pains to seek out the humble home tenanted

-by old Peggy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It was on the third floor of a tall, shabby brick

-house, not far from the Chicago and Alton depot.

-Tim had been there before, and didn't require directions.

-He ascended the rickety staircase,

-nearly treading on two dirty faced children

-belonging to a neighbor of Peggy's, who were

-playing on the landing. As a third child, older,

-made her appearance, Tim stopped long enough

-to inquire, "Is Peggy at home?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the girl. "She's home, but,

-oh my, ain't she tight!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's nothin' new," said Tim, composedly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He knocked at Peggy's door, and receiving no

-answer, opened it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The old woman had thrown herself on a

-truckle bed at one corner of the room, and was

-breathing noisily with her eyes half closed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is it you, Johnny!" she asked, without turning

-her head.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, it's me!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who's me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Tim Roach."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you want?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've just seed Johnny, Peggy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Has he sold many matches? Where is

-he?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I seed him in an eatin' house. He was eatin'

-a bully dinner."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What!" exclaimed Peggy, now thoroughly

-roused, raising herself on her elbow. "What's

-that you say, Tim Roach?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tim, quite enjoying the commotion he had

-raised, repeated his information.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So he's spendin' my money in fillin' his stomach,

-the little wretch!" exclaimed Peggy.

-"That's why he brings home so little money. The

-ungrateful little imp that I've slaved and slaved

-for these last six years, takin' advantage of a poor

-old woman when her back's turned! Where

-was it, Tim, dear?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tim mentioned the restaurant.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And what was he eatin', Tim?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He ordered a cup o' coffee and beefsteak—I

-don't know what else he had."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll learn him to chate and decave me!" said

-the old woman, angrily. "He only brought

-home twenty-five cents yesterday, and I takin'

-care of him, and buyin' him close and vittles."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I guess he buys some dinner every day," said

-Tim.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I never to suspect it! Tim, dear,

-you're a good boy to come and tell me. You

-wouldn't treat your best friend that way?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I wouldn't!" said Tim, virtuously.

-"What are you goin' to do to him, Peggy?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where's my stick, Tim? Do you see it anywhere?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I don't," answered Tim, after a search.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Some of them children downstairs must have

-carried it off."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can buy you a cane for ten cents."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And where would the ten cents come from I

-would like to know. I'll bate him wid my fists,

-the ongrateful young kid."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What are you goin' to give me for tellin' you,

-Peggy?" asked Tim.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll give you a penny the next time I see

-you," said Peggy, vaguely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That isn't enough. Give me a nickel to buy

-a glass of beer?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I haven't got it, Tim. I wish I had, for I'm

-awful dhry myself."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have come all the way to tell you

-if I'd know'd that," said Tim, discontentedly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Just then a noise was heard on the stairs, and

-Tim, opening the door wider, looked out.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Here's Johnny now, Peggy!" he said in excitement.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Come home the middle of the afternoon, too,

-the young rascal!" ejaculated the old woman.

-"I'll fix him!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So here you are, you young——," commenced

-Peggy, as Johnny made his appearance, but the

-threat with which she was about to conclude,

-died in the utterance, when she saw that Johnny

-was closely followed by a tall man of middle age.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who are you, sir?" she asked irritably, "and

-what brings you here? If you're the agent, I

-haven't got any money for you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't you remember me, Peggy?" asked

-Lyman, sinking with rare courage into a chair

-which cracked under his weight.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir, I don't. If I had my glasses, perhaps——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I see you've got company, Peggy," continued

-Lyman, with a significant look at Tim. "I

-would like to speak to you alone. It'll be to

-your advantage, mind," he added, detecting a

-suspicious look on the old woman's face. "Just

-send the two boys out to play, and we'll speak

-together."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"First, hand over what money you've got,

-Jack," said Peggy. "I ain't goin' to have you

-wastin' it outside. Let me see your matches!

-How many boxes did you sell?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Five," answered Johnny.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Only five!" exclaimed the old woman, holding

-up her hands. "You were playin' in the

-strates, I'll be bound!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I wasn't, Aunt Peggy. I tried to sell

-more, but——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, yes, I understand! And you'd done so

-well you thought you'd buy yourself a dinner

-off my money. Come here and let me shake

-you!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Tim told you!" said the little boy, with a reproachful

-look at his betrayer.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, he told me, and he was a good bye for

-doin' it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He said he'd tell if I didn't buy him some,

-too."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is that threu?" asked Peggy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hark to him!" said Tim, with virtuous indignation.

-"It's a lie, and he knows it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you spend all the money, Jack?" demanded

-Peggy. "If you did——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But I didn't, Aunt Peggy. Some good people

-gave me some money, and——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was for me, then. How dared you spind it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've brought most of it home, Peggy. See

-here!" and Johnny took out a handful of small

-silver coins and pennies, and poured them into

-the old woman's lap.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Peggy was agreeably surprised. She saw that

-there was nearly a dollar, much more than Johnny

-generally brought home, and it put her in a good

-humor.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You've done well, Jack!" she said. "I won't

-grudge the money you spent for a bit of dinner.

-Now go out and play wid Tim."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't want to play with him. He told on

-me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My lad," said Lyman, "can't you bring a

-bottle of beer for your good aunt and myself.

-Here's money; you can bring back the change."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You go, Jack, for the gentleman," said

-Peggy, quite restored to good humor. "I don't

-mind sayin' that my throat is just parched with

-bein' so dhry."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny went out, and soon returned, for he

-had not far to go. In spite of his company being

-so unwelcome, Tim went and returned with

-him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Won't you give me a little, Peggy," he

-asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I won't. You wanted Jack to trate you

-on my money. Now clear out, and never let me

-see your ugly face here ag'in."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's the thanks I get for tellin' you!"

-complained Tim. "And after runnin' myself

-out of breath, too!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Clear out wid you! And you, Jack, go back

-and see if you can't sell some more matches. It's

-only the middle of the afternoon, and there's

-plenty of time before sunset to sell half-a-dozen

-boxes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Johnny obeyed, not unwillingly, for he was not

-partial to home, nor did he enjoy Peggy's company.

-Tim accompanied him, but Johnny, gentle

-as he was, refused to have anything to say to

-him. Tim felt that he was badly treated.

-Johnny turned his back on him, and Peggy had

-utterly failed to acknowledge the service he had

-rendered her. Tim was of opinion that it was a

-cold world, and that there was little encouragement

-to be virtuous.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch28' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVIII. <br /> LYMAN'S PLAN.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Here's</span> your health, Peggy!" said Lyman,

-emptying his glass.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir!" said Peggy, following his

-example. "You're very kind, I'm sure, and I

-ought to remember you, but my memory ain't

-what it was."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So you don't remember me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can't remimber that I iver set eyes on your

-face before, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you don't remember the man that

-brought you a small child to take care of near

-six years ago?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shure it's himself!" ejaculated the old woman,

-peering curiously into Lyman's face. "I

-only saw you twice, and that's why I forgot.

-Shure it was a cruel thrick you played upon a

-poor old woman, when you gave her a baby to

-take care of, and then, five long years never sent

-her even a penny. It's hundreds and hundreds

-of dollars I've spent on little Jack, and he no kin

-to me!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No doubt he has been brought up in the lap of

-luxury! He looks like it," said Lyman with an

-amused smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And now you've come to pay me all I spent

-on the child?" insinuated Peggy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, not just yet. The fact is, Peggy, unavoidable

-circumstances prevented my communicating

-with you, and the same won't admit of my

-paying over the hundreds of dollars that Jack has

-cost you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then what do you want of me?" inquired the

-old woman disappointed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I can see a way by which both of us

-can make something out of the boy. By-the-way,

-it strikes me just at present that he is supporting

-you instead of you taking care of him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He only brings in a few pennies a day," said

-Peggy. "Shure it's hardly enough to pay his

-salt."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then Jack must be immoderately fond of salt.

-However, I'll let you into a secret. His grandfather

-is looking for him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"His grandfather?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; no doubt you are surprised that Jack

-possesses a grandfather, but that is a fact. His

-grandfather is my uncle, and what is more to the

-purpose he has a fair property."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And little Jack is goin' to be rich?" gasped

-Peggy in amazement.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, I don't know! That depends on

-whether we allow his grandfather to find him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And why shouldn't he? Wouldn't he be

-givin' a big reward?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is where you come to the point, my good

-Peggy. If he will make it worth our while, we

-may restore him to the old gentleman."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And how much would he be givin', d'ye

-think?" asked Peggy, her bead-like eyes sparkling

-with greed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder, Peggy, if you might get a

-hundred dollars out of it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A hundred dollars—after my takin' care of

-the boy ever since he was a babby. Now you're

-jokin'."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, you see, his grandfather isn't a rich

-man—" explained Lyman, fearing he had unduly

-raised the expectations of the old woman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You said he was!" retorted Peggy sharply.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I said he had a comfortable property—for a

-country town. That means a few thousand

-dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He sha'n't have him for such a thrifle,"

-snapped Peggy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The police might take him from you, without

-your getting a cent."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How would they know, unless you told 'em?"

-asked Peggy suspiciously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Look here, Peggy!" said Lyman in a conciliatory

-tone. "We've got to stand by each other

-in this thing. Just leave the matter in my hands,

-and I'll manage it as well as I can. I'll get as

-much money from the old gentleman as I can."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And you'll give me half?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course—that is, after necessary expenses

-are paid."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And what am I to do then?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nothing, except to stay here, and see that

-nobody gets hold of Jack. Does he know who

-he is?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He thinks I'm his aunt."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And is proud of the connection, no doubt,"

-said Lyman, who could not restrain his tendency

-to sarcasm. "Well, perhaps that is as well.

-Don't let any one know that it is not true. We

-can keep quiet till the time comes to make it

-known. Now, I'll leave you, and take the first

-step by writing to my uncle. Good afternoon,

-Peggy! I'll call again in a day or two."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Couldn't you leave me a dollar or two before

-you go?" whined Peggy. "Me health is very

-poor, and I can't work, and it's only a few pennies

-the boy brings in."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're better off than I am," said Lyman

-curtly, "for I am out of employment and I have

-no boy to bring me in pennies. I don't know but

-I'd better take Jack at once, and then you won't

-have to take care of him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll kape him," said the old woman hurriedly—for

-she had no wish to lose the income the match

-boy brought in, small as it was. "I'll kape him,

-for he's used to me life, and he's happier here."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just as you like, Peggy!" returned Lyman

-with a smile at the success of his stratagem.

-"I'd help you if I could, but I'm almost at the

-bottom of my purse as it is. I'll see you again in

-a day or two, and report progress."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've done a good day's work," reflected Lyman,

-as he picked his way downstairs, nearly slipping

-on a piece of orange peel on one of the steps.

-"It was a piece of good luck, my finding Jack so

-soon after seeing that St. Louis paper—but I must

-write an effective letter to my uncle."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman went to the Sherman House, and entering

-the writing-room procured a sheet of note

-paper, and penned the following note:</p>

-<div class='c017'>"<span class='sc'>Chicago</span>, <i>September 7, 18—</i>.</div>

-

-<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>My Dear Uncle</span>:</p>

-

-<p class='c015'>"I am afraid you are feeling anxious about me,

-and I will therefore relieve your affectionate solicitude,

-by saying that I am well in health, but

-low—very low in pocket. It costs more to live in

-Chicago than in Pocasset, and the sum of money

-with which you provided me is nearly gone. As

-I am a little afraid this hint won't be sufficient to

-open your heart, let me add that I can make it

-worth your while to be generous.</p>

-

-<p class='c015'>"It has come to my knowledge that you have

-sent out Mark Manning in search of your grandson.

-How you came to suspect that my cousin

-left a boy I can't imagine, but I don't mind telling

-you that you are correct. She did leave a

-boy, whose name is Jack Ransom. He is now

-about eight years of age. I know where he is

-and can lay my hands upon him at any moment.

-Whether I will or not depends on how you propose

-to deal with me. Of course it isn't to my

-interest that the boy should be found, as outside

-of him I am your natural and legal heir. I know

-that Mark Manning is scheming to get possession

-of your property when you are gone, but I am

-sure you wouldn't throw it away on a stranger,

-when your brother's son is living.</p>

-

-<p class='c015'>"Now, Uncle Anthony, I am going to make you

-a proposition. Bear in mind, if you please, that I

-am the only one who can restore little Jack to you.

-Only one other person knows about him and she

-never heard of you, and doesn't know Jack's last

-name. If you will guarantee me five thousand

-dollars within three months, two thousand being

-cash down, I will myself bring on little Jack, and

-place him in your arms. Now, I am sorry to say

-that the boy has a miserable home, and is scantily

-supplied with the necessaries of life. A miserable

-career of poverty and perhaps crime, awaits him

-unless you come to my terms. Let me know as

-soon as possible what you propose to do.</p>

-

-<p class='c015'>"A letter directed to me at the Chicago post-office

-will reach me safely.</p>

-<div class='lg-container-b c018'>

-  <div class='linegroup'>

-    <div class='group'>

-      <div class='line'>"Your affectionate nephew,</div>

-      <div class='line'>"<span class='sc'>Lyman Taylor</span>."</div>

-    </div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<p class='c013'>Anthony received this letter in due time, and

-deemed it of sufficient importance to warrant a

-visit to New York. He wished to lay it before

-Mr. Hardy, and ask his advice.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch29' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIX. <br /> MARK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>My</span> good friend," said Mr. Hardy, "have you

-any reason to think your nephew's statement is

-to be relied upon?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope so," answered Anthony. "I am getting

-to be an old man, and I should like to feel

-that some one of my own blood would survive

-me, and profit by a part of the competence which

-God has bestowed upon me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It may be simply a money-making scheme on

-the part of Lyman," said the agent, thoughtfully.

-"Finding that he has little chance of becoming

-your heir, he wants to secure a handsome reward

-for restoring to you your grandson. Why has he

-not proposed it before?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because he did not know I had any property

-to leave, or else because he supposed his own

-chances of inheriting good. After the last interview

-with me, he probably lost the hope of profiting

-by my death."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There is something in what you say, Mr.

-Taylor. What is your own idea?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would give five thousand dollars, if necessary,

-to secure the return of my grandson. It

-would give me an object to live for."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I should be exceedingly sorry to see that sum

-pass into the hands of such a rascal as your

-graceless nephew."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Would you offer two thousand?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would hold no serious negotiations with

-him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But I would run the risk of leaving the poor

-boy to a life of poverty, and myself to a lonely

-old age."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My idea is this. I will telegraph to Mark

-Manning, who is now in St. Louis, the particulars

-of your nephew's offer, with instructions

-to go at once to Chicago, find out Lyman, and

-put a detective on his track. If his story is

-true, he probably visits the boy from time to

-time. In this way it can be discovered where

-the boy lives, and steps can be taken to secure

-him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I approve of your plan," said Anthony. "Let

-it be carried out at once."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There will be this advantage," added Hardy.

-"Your enterprising nephew will not realize any

-benefit from his nice little scheme for trading upon

-your affections."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do as you think best, my good friend. Your

-judgment is always better than mine."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>John Hardy rapidly penned the following despatch.</p>

-<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>Mark Manning</span>, Planter's Hotel, St. Louis:

-Go at once to Chicago and find Lyman Taylor.

-He knows where child is. Employ a detective,

-and track him to boy's residence. Don't let him

-suspect your object. Keep me apprised of your

-progress.</p>

-

-<p class='c019'><span class='sc'>John Hardy.</span>"</p>

-<p class='c013'>This despatch reached Mark within two hours.

-He had been in St. Louis several days, and had

-learned nothing. Two or three persons had called

-upon him with bogus information in the hope of

-a reward, but he was sharp enough to detect the

-imposition. He was beginning to despair of

-success when Mr. Hardy's telegram was received.

-Mark brightened up. He saw his way clearer

-now.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He went out to purchase a ticket for Chicago,

-and on his return found a second telegram in

-these words:</p>

-<p class='c015'>"Lyman admits knowledge of boy, and offers

-to restore him for five thousand dollars."</p>

-<p class='c013'>"I will endeavor to thwart Mr. Lyman Taylor,"

-said Mark to himself. "He is a greater rascal

-than I thought."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark paid his bill and took the next train for

-Chicago. He arrived late, and registered at the

-Fremont House, where he prepared himself for

-the difficult work that lay before him by taking

-a good night's rest. In the morning he awoke

-hopeful and determined, and after breakfast

-went out to walk. He had no clue to the where-abouts

-of Lyman, but thought it possible he

-might meet him as he had done before in the

-streets.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He walked about for two hours, keeping his

-eyes wide open, but though he scanned many

-hundreds of faces, that of Lyman Taylor was

-not among them. Yet his walk was to be more

-successful than he anticipated.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Little Jack still continued his street trade of

-selling matches. Peggy was not willing to give

-up the small revenue she obtained from the boy's

-sales. Sometimes, also, a compassionate passer-by

-would bestow a dime or nickel on the boy,

-pitying him for his thin face and sad expression.

-Sometimes, if Tim were not by, he would buy a

-cheap lunch, for the scanty rations which he received

-from Peggy, left him in a chronic state of

-hunger.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It was fortunate that the poor boy indulged

-himself thus, or his feeble strength would hardly

-have held out against hunger and hard work

-combined.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Unwittingly Jack had made an active enemy

-in Tim Roach. His refusal to treat, Tim persuaded

-himself, was very mean, and his indignation

-was increased by the ill-success of his attempt

-to secure pay for the information given to

-Peggy. He was anxious to be revenged upon

-Jack, and was only waiting for an opportunity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Malice generally finds its opportunity after

-awhile. One day Jack set down his basket of

-matches a moment while he ran into a shop to

-change a twenty-five cent piece. Tim was close

-at hand, and slyly secured the basket, and fled

-swiftly through a narrow passage-way with his

-booty. He had not only secured a stock of merchandise,

-but he had got Jack into trouble.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>When Jack came out and found his basket

-gone he was in dismay.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who took my basket?" he inquired of an

-applewoman, who kept a stand close by.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There was a bye here just now—bigger than

-you. He must have run off wid it when my back

-was turned away."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where did he go?" asked Jack, anxiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I didn't mind."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What was he like?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shure I've seed him here afore wid you.

-You called him Tim."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It was Tim Roach!" exclaimed Jack. "He's

-a mean boy. He took it to get me into trouble."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shure he looks like a thafe."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The tears started to Jack's eyes.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know what to do," he said, piteously.

-"I am afraid Peggy will beat me when I get

-home."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who is Peggy?" asked a new voice.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack looked towards the speaker. He saw a

-pleasant-faced boy, apparently about sixteen.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She's the woman I live with," answered Jack.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What will she beat you for?" asked Mark,

-for it was he. He had just come up, and hadn't

-heard of Jack's misfortune, but his heart was

-stirred to sympathy, by the sadness visible upon

-the little boy's face.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"For losing my matches," and thereupon Jack

-told his story to his new acquaintance.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How much were the matches worth?" asked

-Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There were fourteen boxes. They cost me

-three cents a piece. Then there was the basket.

-That cost a quarter."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know where to buy more?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then take this dollar bill, and get a new

-supply."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack's little face glowed with gratitude.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, how kind you are!" he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you generally stand here?" asked Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does this Peggy send you out every day?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is she related to you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I thought she was my aunt," answered the

-match boy, "but last evening a gentleman called

-on Peggy, I heard them talking when they

-thought I was asleep," Jack continued in a lower

-tone. "I heard the gentleman say I had a grandfather

-living at the East, and that he would pay

-a good sum to get hold of me. I wish he would,

-for Peggy doesn't give me enough to eat, and

-sometimes she beats me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Tell me about this gentleman," said Mark in

-excitement. "Is he tall?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"With black hair and whiskers?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know his name?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir; but there he is now!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark followed the direction of the boy's

-finger, and he recognized, though his head was

-turned, the familiar form of Lyman Taylor on

-the opposite side of the street.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch30' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXX. <br /> MARK MAKES ARRANGEMENTS WITH JACK.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> excitement was at fever heat. In the

-most wonderful manner he had succeeded almost

-without an effort. He could not doubt that this

-boy was the very one of whom he was in search.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He was apprehensive that Lyman would turn,

-and on recognizing him penetrate his design and

-arrange to defeat it. But fortunately the object

-of his dread appeared to have other business in

-hand and kept on his way, never turning back.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How old are you?" he asked, thinking it best

-to make assurance doubly sure.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Peggy says I'm goin' on eight," answered

-the match boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is the right age," thought Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you always lived in Chicago?" he continued.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir; Peggy brought me from St. Louis

-when I was a very little child."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose you don't remember much about

-St. Louis?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't remember it at all."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What does Peggy do for a living?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack shrugged his shoulders.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Nothing much," he answered; "she says she

-isn't well enough to work."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Surely she does not depend wholly upon what

-you earn?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know. Sometimes she gets money in

-a letter. I think it comes from her son."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then she has a son?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where does he live?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I saw one of his letters once. It said Fall

-River on the wrapper. I think he works in a

-factory."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Fall River is a city in Massachusetts. I have

-never been there, but I hear that they have factories

-there."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So you can read writing?" asked Mark after

-a pause.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, a little."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And I suppose you can read books and

-papers?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A little. I went to a primary school for a

-little while, and afterwards a lady used to hear

-my lessons. She lived in the same place with

-us."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did you like studying?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ever so much. I should be happy if I could

-go to school again, but Peggy says I know enough,

-and she needs me to earn my living."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you know the name of that gentleman

-you pointed out to me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I don't think I heard Peggy mention his

-name."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How long has he been in the habit of coming

-to see you and Peggy?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He has only been there two or three times.

-Peggy didn't remember him at first. I think

-they used to know each other a good while

-ago."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Suppose this gentleman's story were true,

-and you had a grandfather at the East who could

-take good care of you, would you be willing to

-go to him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Would he be kind to me? Do you know

-him?" asked the little fellow eagerly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I know him, and I am sure he would be

-very kind to you. Would you be willing to leave

-Peggy?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered little Jack promptly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How does she treat you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If I bring home a good bit of money, she pats

-me on the head and says I am a good boy, but if I

-am not lucky she is very cross, and sometimes she

-beats me."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark's sympathies were aroused. Jack was so

-small, and weak in appearance, that it seemed to

-him revolting to think of his being at the mercy

-of a cruel old woman. Half unconsciously his

-fist doubled up, his teeth closed firmly together,

-and he just wished he had the merciless Peggy in

-his power.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is Peggy temperate?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack looked at him inquiringly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does she drink?" Mark asked, changing the

-form of his question.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She drinks beer, and sometimes whiskey,"

-answered Jack.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does she get—drunk?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Sometimes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How does it affect her?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It makes her sleepy or cross. I always

-run away when she has been drinking—when

-I can, but sometimes she locks the door and

-fastens me in. Then, if I can, I hide under the

-bed."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Poor boy! you have a hard time of it. Now,

-Jack, can you keep a secret?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack nodded, and his face assumed a cunning

-look, for the poor boy had more than once felt

-obliged to practice dissimulation, in the rough

-school in which he had been trained.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," he answered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then I am going to tell you a secret. Your

-grandfather sent me out here to find you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He sent you!" ejaculated Jack.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But I thought he sent that gentleman—the

-one I pointed out to you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; that gentleman, as you call him, is your

-mother's cousin. He is a near relation of yours."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But he spoke to Peggy about carrying me

-back to my grandfather."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He has an object in view. He won't give you

-up to your grandfather unless he gets a large sum

-of money. I suppose he has promised to give

-Peggy some of the money."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I heard him promise Peggy a hundred

-dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark smiled.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then I think he is going to cheat Peggy," he

-said. "He wants five thousand dollars for himself."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why, that is a good deal more than a hundred

-dollars."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, it is fifty times as much. Did Peggy

-seem to be satisfied with a hundred?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; she said it was very little, but he said

-perhaps my grandfather would give her as much

-as that every year."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is evident he proposes to take the old

-woman in."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't care, if he will only take me back to

-my grandfather. Will he give me enough to

-eat?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My poor child, are you hungry?" asked Mark,

-compassionately.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; I think I am always hungry," sighed

-Jack. "Peggy says I eat too much."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't look much like it. Now Jack, one

-thing more. Would you be willing to leave

-Peggy, and go to New York with me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Would you take me to my grandfather?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; that is just what I want to do."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am ready to go now," said Jack, putting

-his hand confidingly in Mark's.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is well, but it will be better to wait till

-to-morrow. What time do you get up in the

-morning?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About eight o'clock. It isn't any use to go

-out too early."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And at what time do you come here, Jack?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"About half-past eight or nine."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then I will meet you to-morrow, somewhere

-about that time, and I will have tickets ready to

-take us to New York. We can catch the ten

-o'clock train. There isn't any danger of Peggy

-keeping you, is there?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not unless she thinks I am goin' to run

-away."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She mustn't suspect that. We must be sure

-to keep that from her. I suppose you have no

-other clothes than those you have on?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will hunt up a clothing-store, and get you

-fitted out before we start. I shouldn't like your

-grandfather to see you in that ragged suit."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack looked down at his jacket, frayed, tattered

-and greasy, and said:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I've often wished I had nice clothes like that

-boy," and he pointed out a boy of about his own

-age, dressed in knickerbockers.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You shall have your wish to-morrow, Jack.

-Now I suppose you had better go and buy some

-more matches, so that Peggy won't suspect anything."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You'll be sure to meet me to-morrow, Jack?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And don't let Peggy suspect from your looks

-that anything is going on."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Everything looks favorable," thought Mark

-as he walked slowly to his hotel. "To-morrow

-at this time Peggy and the worthy Lyman will

-be mourning for a lost boy."</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch31' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXI. <br /> JACK TALKS IN HIS SLEEP.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Jack</span> was naturally very much excited by the

-new prospects that opened out before him. He

-had seen little happiness in his short life. It is a

-sad thing to say that he had hardly ever known

-what it was to eat a full meal. Cold and pinching

-privation, and long, toilsome days in the

-streets, had been his portion hitherto. Was it

-possible, he asked himself, that all this was to be

-changed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Was he to have a home like other boys, and a

-relation who was able to supply him with the

-comforts of which he knew so little?</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It seemed like a dream, and little Jack might

-have been tempted to distrust the information

-which had been given to him. But somehow he

-could not help feeling confidence in what Mark

-told him. He felt that Mark would not deceive

-him, and the dream must come true after

-all.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack finished out the day as usual, and went

-home. Peggy's attention was at once called to

-the new basket.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where did that come from?" she asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My basket was stolen, and a kind gentleman

-gave me money to buy this." Jack answered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Was the matches stole too?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; he gave me money enough to buy as

-many as I lost."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who stole 'em? Do you know?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think it was Tim Roach. He was hangin'

-round, at the time I lost it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Did he snatch it from you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; I laid it down a minute while I went into

-a cigar store to get a quarter changed for a gentleman

-who had just bought a box of matches, when

-Tim picked it up and ran away."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'd like to get hold of Tim!" said Peggy

-wrathfully. "I'd wring his neck for him, the

-little wretch!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Then a new and cunning idea came to Peggy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I tell you what to do, Jack," she said; "just

-you go out to-morrow mornin' without any basket,

-and begin to cry, and tell people that you've

-had your matches stolen. Then somebody'll give

-you money, and you can bring it home."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But that would be tellin' a lie, Peggy," objected

-Jack.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And what if it is!" retorted Peggy. "You

-needn't be so dreadfully good. It ain't a lie

-that'll hurt anybody, and the gentlemen that

-gives you the money won't miss it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It occurred to Jack that it would suit his plans

-to go out the next morning without the basket.

-Considering how he had been brought up, his

-conscience was unusually tender, and he would

-not have liked to leave the city without returning

-the basket and his stock-in-trade to Peggy. Besides,

-she could have him arrested for theft, if

-she chose. He decided, therefore, that he would

-make no further objection to Peggy's proposal.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just as you say, Peggy," he said, submissively.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's a good boy!" said Peggy, good-humoredly.

-"That's a pretty good snap!" she said to

-herself, complacently. "I don't know why we

-shouldn't foller it up. It'll be more than the

-profit of the matches, and Jack can do it two or

-three times a day."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It did, indeed, seem a very ingenious method of

-raising money, and answered the purpose of

-begging, without being open to the usual objection.</p>

-

-<div  class='figcenter id001'>

-<img src='images/p220.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />

-<div class='ic002'>

-<p>The old woman drawing near the pallet, strove to catch the words that fell from the boy's lips.</p>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack usually got tired with being about the

-streets all day, and after he had eaten the frugal

-supper with which Peggy had provided him, he

-lay down on a pallet provided for him in the

-corner of the room, and was soon asleep. But

-with such a momentous secret on his mind, it

-will not be a matter of surprise that Jack's

-thoughts, even in sleep, were occupied with his

-new plan. Whenever he was restless he was apt

-to talk in his sleep, and did so on the present

-occasion.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Peggy had not gone to bed, but sat in an old

-wooden rocking-chair, smoking a pipe.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What's the boy sayin'?" she asked herself,

-as Jack began to talk. "I'll listen, and then if

-he's been up to any mischief, he'll out with it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>She removed the pipe, and drawing near the

-pallet, bent over, and strove to catch the disconnected

-words that fell from the boy's lips.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'm goin'—to—my grandfather!" she heard

-Jack say, and the words startled her.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who's been talkin' to him about his grandfather?"

-Peggy exclaimed, startled. "I didn't

-know he'd heard a word about him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He says—he will—take me!" continued Jack,

-in a drowsy tone.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He says he'll take him!" repeated Peggy, in

-surprise and alarm. "Who's he, I'd like to

-know."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Her suspicions fell at once upon Lyman. No

-one, so far as she knew, had any knowledge of

-Jack's relations except Lyman. Evidently Lyman

-had been talking to the boy on the sly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The villain!" said Peggy, indignantly; "I

-know what he's up to. He wants to get the boy

-away from me, and get all the reward himself.

-He's going to leave Peggy out in the cowld, and

-abduct the boy on the sly. I've found him out,

-the artful schamer. So he thinks he can over-rache

-ould Peggy, does he? He'll find it's a

-cowld day when ould Peggy gets left."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack began to talk again.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He says he'll take me off in the cars," he

-continued. "I like to ride in the cars. My grandfather

-will give me enough to eat, and I won't

-have to sell matches for a livin'."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The ongrateful young kid," commented

-Peggy, looking angrily at the sleeping boy. "So

-he wants to lave me who've took care of him

-ever since he was a babby, and he don't mind it

-no more'n if I was a puppy dog. <i>I</i> that have

-been a mother to him!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Peggy rocked back and forward, and actually

-persuaded herself that little Jack was very ungrateful.

-It is curious how we misrepresent

-matters from our own point of view. It was

-Jack who had supported Peggy, and she was far

-more indebted to him than he was to her, but

-somehow she could not see it. She did, however,

-understand fully how unpleasant it would be to

-lose Jack's services, unless she could receive, as

-Lyman had led her to expect, an adequate compensation

-from his grandfather.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Peggy deliberated as to what was best to be

-done. In the first place, she wanted to find out

-for a certainty whether Lyman had really entered

-into a conspiracy against her and meant to

-abduct Jack without her knowledge or consent.

-It seemed on the whole, the best thing to get up

-herself and follow Jack the next morning, and

-make sure that Lyman did not have a secret conference

-with him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>When Jack was ready to start out the next

-morning, Peggy asked with apparent carelessness,

-"Jack, dear, do you ever see the tall gentleman

-that calls here sometimes?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, Peggy; I saw him yesterday," answered

-Jack, readily.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And what did he say to you?" she asked

-eagerly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He didn't speak to me at all."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's a lie!" Peggy said to herself. "He

-told the bye not to tell." But she didn't think it

-best to charge Jack with it, and so through him

-put Lyman on his guard.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Remember, lad, you've got no better friend

-than ould Peggy. If you should lave her, she'd

-die of grafe."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Peggy," said Jack, but he was

-not much impressed by this declaration of affection

-from one who often beat and systematically

-starved him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Five minutes after Jack had left the house,

-Peggy threw on her old cloak, and, at a safe distance,

-followed her youthful charge, meaning to

-keep him under her eye, and watch lest he

-should be carried off by Lyman Taylor. But

-luckily for Jack, whose meeting with Mark would

-otherwise have been detected, she changed her

-plan, when she recognized a little in advance

-Lyman himself on State Street.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It'll be better to watch him," she decided,

-and gave up following Jack.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Meanwhile Jack had not been at his usual

-stand more than ten minutes, when Mark came

-up.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad you are ahead of time, Jack," he

-said. "Come along with me."</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch32' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXII. <br /> JACK IS PURSUED.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Are</span> you goin' to take me away to-day?"

-asked Jack, who wished to be assured that the

-dream was coming true.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, Jack, but I can't take you away as you

-are. I know a place near by where you can take

-a good bath. I will leave you then, and go

-round by myself and buy you some clothes. I

-can guess your size."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He led the way to a barber's shop which advertised

-baths, procured a ticket, and leaving Jack

-with strict injunctions to wash himself thoroughly,

-sallied out in search of an outfit for his

-young companion. That did not take long. He

-returned with two good sized bundles, and requested

-Jack to dress himself in them. When

-Jack emerged from the bath-room he was quite

-transformed. He was still thin, and his features

-looked pinched, but his dress was, in all respects,

-that of a boy belonging to a well-to-do family.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now I think I must have your hair cut, and

-you will do."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In truth, Jack's long, elf-like locks made his

-face appear even thinner than it really was.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't you want to be shaved, too, young

-man?" asked the barber, jocosely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he wants to be shaved," said Jack,

-pointing to Mark, with a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark colored a little, realizing that he scarcely

-needed that operation any more than Jack.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now look at yourself in the glass, Jack!"

-said Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Jack obeyed, and looked first bewildered, then

-pleased. He thought at first that he was looking

-at another boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is that me?" he inquired, almost incredulously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think it is. Peggy wouldn't know you,"

-answered Mark, with a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't want her to," answered the little

-boy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark had forgotten one thing—a pair of shoes.

-As he scanned Jack critically, he noted the omission,

-and said, "Jack, we must go to a shoe

-store. It will never do for a young gentleman

-like you to wear a pair of shoes out at the toes

-and sides."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They don't look very well," said Jack, with a

-downward look.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"As you may be taken for my son," said Mark

-gravely, "I want you to look well."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're only a boy!" said Jack, who was inclined

-to a literal understanding of what was told

-him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You wouldn't take me for twenty-five, then,

-Jack?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, you're not that, are you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, not quite."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>They had not far to go to a shoe store, but it

-took some time to get fitted to a pair of shoes, on

-account of Jack's having a high instep. This

-delay came near wrecking their plans. Tim

-Roach, who usually passed his time in roaming

-about the streets, without any special occupation,

-caught sight of Jack as he entered the shoe store

-with Mark. He let his eye rest upon him carelessly

-at first, but his indifferent glance was soon

-succeeded by a look of the most intense amazement.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My eye!" he exclaimed, "if that isn't little

-Jack dressed out like a prince! What's happened,

-I wonder, and who's that with him? I

-jest wish he'd rig me out that way."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Tim did not make himself known, but peered

-curiously in at the door of the store.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wonder whether Peggy knows about it?"

-he soliloquized. "I don't believe she does.

-Wouldn't she open her eyes to see the kid rigged

-out that way. I'd like to tell her."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Circumstances seemed to favor the gratification

-of this wish, for not many rods away he caught

-sight of Peggy and Lyman Taylor talking together.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll go and tell her," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>We will precede him and relate what had

-taken place between the two schemers. Peggy

-had started out with the confident belief that

-Lyman had played her false, and meant to carry

-away Jack without her knowledge or consent.

-It did, indeed, look as if she were correct, for it

-must be remembered that she knew nothing of

-Mark's mission to Chicago, Lyman not having

-thought it necessary to tell her. She wanted to

-meet Lyman and "have it out with him," if she

-found any confirmation in her suspicions.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman chanced to turn, and seeing Peggy

-with her eyes fixed on him, retraced his steps till

-he reached her.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you want to see me, Peggy?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I wanted to see you, Mr. Lyman Taylor,

-and ask what you mane by tryin' to stale away

-the bye from me?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman stared at her in surprise.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know what you mean," he answered,

-with a shrug of his shoulders. "I thought it

-was understood that we would restore the boy to

-his grandfather if he would make it worth our

-while."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And you didn't mane to take away the bye

-without my knowin' it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly not. Who told you so?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And you haven't told the bye about goin'

-back to his grandfather?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I haven't spoken a word to the boy on the

-subject."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then how did he know about it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Does he know about it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Peggy then told her companion about what she

-had overheard Jack say in his sleep the night before.

-Lyman Taylor was surprised and alarmed,

-and these feelings were so evident on his face that

-Peggy acquitted him of any breach of faith.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't understand it," he said, meditatively.

-"I have never spoken a word about the matter

-except in your room. Did you ask him about it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I asked him when did he see you, and he said

-yesterday."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He might have seen me, but I had no conversation

-with him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So he said."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He told the truth. I don't think any harm

-is done, Peggy. He must have overheard what

-we were talking about when we supposed him

-asleep."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's true. Maybe he did."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That won't interfere with our plans that I

-can see. I have written to my uncle and expect

-to hear from him in a few days. I will let you

-know what he says as soon as I get the letter."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Then it was that Tim Roach came up, looking

-preternaturally knowing.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How are you, Peg?" he said. "Are you

-walkin' wid your beau?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Go away wid you! You're always botherin'."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You'd orter see what I did jest now," said

-Tim, wagging his head.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What did you see, then?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I seed your Jack rigged out like a prince in

-new clothes and a new hat. Didn't he look

-fine?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You saw Jack dressed that way?" gasped

-Peggy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, I did."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're lyin' now."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wish I may die if I didn't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where was he?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"In Simpson's shoe store, pickin' out a nice new

-pair of shoes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How could the boy get all these things without

-money?" asked Lyman incredulous.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There was a big boy wid him was buyin' the

-things."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A big boy!" repeated Lyman quickly; "how

-old was he?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Maybe sixteen or seventeen."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>An expression, full of dismay, overspread Lyman

-Taylor's face.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is Mark Manning!" he exclaimed. "Quick,

-boy, tell me where he is."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"In Simpson's shoe store."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And who is Mark Manning?" asked Peggy

-bewildered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The boy his grandfather sent out here to find

-him. It's he that has been telling Jack about his

-grandfather. Quick, Peggy! we must go and

-stop him, or he'll take Jack away and leave us

-out in the cold."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The ill-matched pair hurried to the place indicated

-by Tim.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch33' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIII. <br /> MARK ELUDES HIS PURSUERS.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Little</span> Jack had been fitted with a pair of shoes,

-and Mark had settled for them, when the little

-boy chancing to look towards the entrance of the

-store, was almost paralyzed by the sight of Peggy

-and Lyman looking in at the window. His eyes

-were good, and he could read on Peggy's face a

-malicious exultation, which boded ill for him when

-he should again find himself in her clutches.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark, who had not seen them, noticed the fear

-upon the face of his little charge.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What's the matter, Jack?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's them!" answered Jack, hoarsely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who's them?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Peggy—and the gentleman."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where are they?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Looking in at the winder."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark had his wits about him, and did not turn

-round. He wished Peggy and her confederate to

-think themselves undiscovered, while he rapidly

-considered what was best to be done.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Should he leave the store by the front door,

-Jack would at once be pounced upon by Peggy,

-and there would be a scene.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He might eventually recover Jack, but in the

-meantime the boy would be ill-treated, stripped

-of his good clothes, and perhaps carried out of the

-city. Just as success seemed assured, he was

-confronted by defeat.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>What was to be done?</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was not a boy to give in, unless compelled

-to do so. An idea came to him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Jack," he said in a low voice, "don't look towards

-the window again. Don't let them know

-you have seen them."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You won't let Peggy get hold of me!" said

-the boy in a trembling voice.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Not if I can help it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Turning to the salesman who had waited upon

-him, Mark said:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There are some people at the door that I want

-to avoid meeting. Is there any back entrance to

-the store?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the clerk.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Will you be kind enough to guide us to it?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't look behind you, Jack, but come with

-me. Don't be alarmed!"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The salesman guided them to a door opening on

-a narrow street. Boxes of goods were so piled up,

-that this door could not be seen from the window

-into which Peggy and Lyman were looking.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where are they going?" Peggy asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"To look at some goods in the back part of the

-store," answered Lyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This reassured Peggy, who kept her position,

-feeling sure that Jack could not escape her when

-he came out.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I'll sell his new clothes," she thought complacently.

-"I'll be in luck after all."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Once out of the store, Mark looked about him.

-He felt that it behooved him to get beyond the

-reach of Jack's pursuers as soon as possible.

-Circumstances favored him. Just at the head

-of the street, he saw a lady descend from a hack.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hurry up, Jack," he said. "We'll get into

-this cab."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The driver was about to drive away, after

-settling with his fare, when Mark hailed him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Are you unengaged?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Can you drive me at once to the Union

-Depot in Van Buren Street?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He dismounted from the box, opened the door

-for his next passengers, and they got in. Then

-resuming his place on the box, he drove rapidly

-away.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It so chanced that he passed by the front of

-the very store from which they had just emerged.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Little Jack stole a glance out of the window of

-the cab.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There's Peg!" he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Following his example, Mark also caught sight

-of the two with their faces glued to the window,

-still looking in, unconscious that their prey had

-escaped them.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark smiled. He felt like a victor, and rather

-enjoyed the thought of having outgeneraled the

-fox.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope they'll have a good time watching for

-us, Jack," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The little boy still felt nervous.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Do you think they'll catch me?" he asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, Jack, I think they'll get left this time."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The cab made its way rapidly through the

-crowded streets, and in a very short time drew

-up at the Union Depot.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark paid the driver, and accompanied by

-Jack, made his way to the ticket office.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How soon will there be a train East?" he

-asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"In ten minutes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That will suit us, Jack."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He bought tickets, and, the cars being ready,

-they took their seats in a comfortable car of the

-Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If they should come here!" suggested Jack,

-nervously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They would have to run fast, if our train

-leaves on time. There is no danger, Jack.

-Even if they suspect that we have left the store,

-they wouldn't know where we are gone."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Still, even Mark felt relieved and reassured

-when the signal was given and the long train

-began to steam out of the depot.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Wouldn't you like to go back and bid Peggy

-good-by?" he asked, jocosely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope I shall never see Peggy again," answered

-the little boy, shuddering.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If you ever do, there won't be any danger of

-her doing you any harm. Your grandfather will

-take care of that."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In his hurry to leave the city, Mark had been

-compelled to leave his bill at the hotel unpaid,

-but his valise was left behind as security. At

-the first opportunity he telegraphed to the land-lord,

-promising to remit the necessary money,

-and asking him to hold the valise till instructed

-where to send it by express.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>We will now go back to Peggy and Lyman,

-who were impatiently maintaining their watch

-at the window of the shoe store.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>When fifteen minutes had passed, and Jack and

-Mark did not appear, they became alarmed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where are they?" muttered Peggy. "It's

-long enough they are stayin'."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are right, Peggy."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Just then a policeman tapped him on the

-shoulder. He had been watching them for some

-time and their conduct seemed to him suspicious.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What are you doing here, my man?" he

-asked, suspiciously. "You had better move

-on."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We are waiting for some one to come out,"

-answered Lyman.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How long do you mean to wait? Is this

-woman with you?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Lyman, reluctantly, for he

-was not proud of his companion, whose appearance

-was hardly calculated to do him credit.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shure, my little bye has been shtole," she put

-in, "and he's in the store now wid the man that

-shtole him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Then you'd better go in and claim him

-instead of standing here and blocking up the

-sidewalk."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I will follow your advice," said Lyman.

-"Will you be kind enough to stay here a

-minute, in case I need your help?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Very well; only be quick."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman entered the store, and failing to see

-Jack and Mark, addressed one of the salesmen.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Two boys were in here a short time since,"

-he said; "one large one and one small one. Can

-you tell me where they are?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It happened that the salesman addressed was

-the same one who had guided the boys to the

-back entrance. At least fifteen minutes had

-elapsed, and there would be no danger in telling

-the truth.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They went away some time since," he answered.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They did not go out the front door, for I've

-been there all the time."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There's another door," quietly retorted the

-clerk.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Where?" asked Lyman, in dismay.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"In the rear of the store."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Sold, by thunder!" exclaimed Lyman, under

-his breath. "How long have they been gone?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Fifteen minutes. Were they friends of

-yours?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The small boy was my son," answered Lyman,

-unblushingly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And was the woman I saw with you at the

-window his mother?" asked the salesman, with

-a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Certainly not," answered Lyman, coloring

-with indignation. "The older boy has abducted

-him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why didn't you come in sooner, then?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I wish I had."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Great was Peggy's dismay when Lyman told

-her what he had learned. She had fully decided

-to beat Jack soundly, and now she was baffled

-of her revenge. The two confederates spent the

-rest of the day in wandering about the streets of

-Chicago in search of Jack and his friend, but

-their search was in vain.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch34' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIV. <br /> MRS. MANNING'S HOUSE IS SOLD.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>It</span> is now time to return to Pocasset and inquire

-how our old acquaintances are prospering.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It was still a matter of wonder what had become

-of Mark. Mrs. Manning gave no information,

-and no letters were received at the post-office

-which would throw light on the mystery.

-Mark, by arrangement, directed all his letters to

-Mr. Hardy, who inclosed and forwarded them

-to the Pocasset office. Tom Wyman, the postmaster's

-son, was puzzled to account for the

-letters received from New York by Mrs. Manning.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They must be from Mark," said James Collins.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"They don't seem to be in Mark's hand-writing."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He probably gets some one to direct them for

-him, so as to throw dust in our eyes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>This was the conclusion upon which the two

-boys finally settled.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Another cause of wonder was the hermit's

-visits to the city. Since he had heard that his

-grandson was living, he went up often to consult

-with Mr. Hardy. Family affection in him had

-not died out. It had only been dormant, and

-now it was thoroughly reawakened.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I long to see my daughter's boy," he said.

-"It will give me something to live for. I tremble

-lest the cup of happiness should be dashed

-from my lips, just as my hopes are awakened."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't be anxious, old friend. Your affairs

-are in good hands. Mark is only a boy, but he

-has far more discretion and fidelity than most

-men. Do you know what I have in view?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If he succeeds in this enterprise I propose,

-with his mother's permission, to take him into

-my office, and train him up in my business. I

-have hitherto employed boys simply as boys, but

-Mark is one whom I can train up for a responsible

-position. I am getting older every year, and

-when I am really old, I shall be glad to have a

-young man at my side upon whom I can shift

-the burden of my business. Do you think his

-mother would object?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mrs. Manning is a sensible woman. I think

-she will be glad to have her son so well provided

-for. If it is necessary I will myself advise her to

-commit him to your charge."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>At length a telegram came from Mark, and by

-good luck when Mr. Taylor was in the office of

-his agent. It ran thus:</p>

-<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>John Hardy, New York.</span></p>

-

-<p class='c015'>"I am on my way to New York with little

-Jack. Particulars when we meet.</p>

-<div class='c017'>"<span class='sc'>Mark Manning.</span>"</div>

-<p class='c013'>"There, old friend, what do you say to that?"

-asked John Hardy, triumphantly. "Didn't I

-tell you the boy would succeed? Was my confidence

-misplaced?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He had my confidence from the first," said

-Anthony, his face luminous with happiness,

-"but I knew he had an adroit enemy in my

-nephew Lyman. I didn't dare to expect that a

-country boy would be equal to the emergency."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Now, you can go home with a light heart. In

-a day or two, your grandson will be with you.

-What are your plans respecting him? Shall you

-take him to Pocasset?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't think I can do better. He will need a

-woman's care, and I know of no one who will

-prove kinder than Mrs. Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She has this in her favor at any rate. She

-has brought up her own boy well. But will the

-house be large or comfortable enough?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am not very particular for myself. You

-will judge that when you remember the cabin in

-the woods, where I spent several years. The

-house is small, however, but there is another

-vacant, much larger and handsomer, which I can

-buy or rent, already furnished. The owner and

-occupant died recently, and his heirs, living in a

-distant state, want to sell it. It has a handsome

-lawn and a garden attached. It stands near the

-house of Mr. Collins."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, you are able to gratify your own taste

-in the matter. I will send Mark down as soon as

-he arrives."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>When Anthony reached home, he found Mrs.

-Manning anxious and perturbed. The cause will

-require some explanation.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The small cottage in which Mark and his

-mother lived did not belong to them. They

-rented it from Deacon Brooks, an old farmer living

-just out of the village, at five-dollars monthly

-rental. For a special reason Squire Collins desired

-to possess it. He owned the lot adjoining,

-and it occurred to him that the two combined

-would make a desirable property. The house,

-which was a cottage, could be raised one story,

-and made much more commodious. In that case,

-it would easily command more than twice the

-rent. The foreman of the shoe-shop stood prepared

-to rent it of him, as soon as the alteration

-was made.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>He therefore approached Deacon Brooks, with a

-proposition to purchase it.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know," said the deacon. "I never

-thought of sellin', but I can't say I'm opposed to

-it. I'm getting good rent from the widder Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There's no knowing, deacon, how long she'll

-be able to pay her rent," said the squire, nodding

-with a meaning look.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Sho! you don't say! She ain't lost any

-money, has she?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She had none to lose. Her boy Mark has

-about supported her with his small earnings in

-the shop. But he isn't employed there any

-longer."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I heard something of that. Did you discharge

-him?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; he got too uppish—wasn't willing to

-obey orders. I was sorry to discharge him on his

-mother's account, but it was his own fault."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Seems to me I haven't seen him round the

-village lately?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; he has gone to the city on some wild-goose

-expedition. My boy James thinks he is

-blacking boots or selling papers. As to that I

-can't say, but it isn't likely he is able to help his

-mother much."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hear Mrs. Manning has a boarder?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; it's the old hermit that lived in the

-woods. I believe he has a small pension from

-some relations, but it doesn't amount to much.

-Probably he doesn't pay more than two or three

-dollars a week board. That won't go far, eh,

-deacon?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You're right there, squire. It costs a sight to

-live. How much do you think my grocery bill

-came to last month?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know," answered the squire, with a

-curious smile. The deacon had the reputation of

-being very close-fisted, and it was rather amusing

-to hear him speak of the cost of living.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Fifteen dollars and sixty-seven cents," said

-the deacon, with the air of one who hardly expected

-to be believed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I believe you have six in family," said Squire

-Collins, with a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, six, including the hired man."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I pity your family," thought the squire, who,

-at all events, kept a liberal table.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, it costs a great deal to live," he added,

-"and, of course, the Widow Manning, though her

-family is small, can't live on nothing. When

-she finds she can't pay all her bills, she will probably

-begin by being remiss in her rent."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That's so, squire! She's allus paid so far

-right up to the handle, though."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"When she had Mark's help; but as I told you

-he is not now in a condition to help his mother.

-Well, what do you say? Shall I have the

-house?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Then commenced the bargaining. Both parties

-were sharp, but at length a conclusion was

-reached. Squire Collins agreed to pay eight

-hundred and fifty dollars for the cottage, five

-hundred to remain on bond and mortgage, at six

-per cent. In a day or two the necessary papers

-were made out, and then Squire Collins took a

-walk over to the cottage, to inform Mrs. Manning

-that the house had passed into his possession, and

-it would be necessary for her to find another

-home.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It might have been supposed he would feel

-some compunction, but he did not have much feeling

-or sympathy for the widow. The ill-feeling

-between Mark and his son had its effect upon

-him also.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch35' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXV. <br /> NOTICE TO QUIT.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>There</span> are some men who enjoy the prospect

-of dealing a blow, and watching the effect—men

-whose best feelings have been deadened, and who

-have lost all sympathy for those less fortunate

-than themselves. That Squire Collins was a

-man of this kind will not seem strange to those

-who have followed the course of this story. He

-set out for Mrs. Manning's cottage with a comfortable

-complacency, though he knew that the communication

-he had to make would bring her great

-trouble and sorrow.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Quite unconscious of the impending blow, Mrs.

-Manning was sitting at the front window engaged

-in sewing, while her thoughts were with

-her absent boy, whom she seemed to miss more

-and more as his absence lengthened. Casually

-looking up from her work, she saw with considerable

-surprise the dignified figure of Squire Collins

-turning in at her gate.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What can bring the squire here," she thought.

-She was not in the habit of receiving or expecting

-calls from her aristocratic townsman, and

-concluded that he must have some special object

-in calling.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Perhaps he had come to offer to take Mark

-back into the shop. If so, it might be the best

-thing for her son. She knew very little of old

-Anthony's circumstances, and she did not anticipate

-any permanent position for Mark from

-that quarter.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Squire Collins," she said, politely.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," he responded,

-somewhat stiffly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Won't you come in?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Thank you; I will step in for a few minutes,

-I have a little business to speak of."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It must be that he means to take Mark back

-into the shop," thought the widow, cheerfully.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>She led the way into the plain sitting-room,

-and invited the village magnate to take a seat.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ahem! your son Mark is away?" remarked

-the squire, inquiringly. This confirmed Mrs.

-Manning in her conjecture as to the squire's

-errand.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," she answered; "but I think he will be

-at home before long. I miss him a great deal."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose he can't make a living in New

-York," thought the squire. Rather fortunately

-he didn't inquire where Mark was, since this

-would have embarrassed Mrs. Manning, who

-knew that it was a secret not to be mentioned,

-and yet would have been reluctant to offend the

-squire by withholding the information.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Probably he will be as well off at home," said

-the squire. "I don't believe much in boys leaving

-home on wild-goose expeditions. They think

-it perfectly easy to earn a living elsewhere, but

-they are pretty apt to reap only disappointment."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I dare say you are right, squire," said Mrs.

-Manning, leading up to the subject of a return to

-the shop; "but there didn't seem to be anything

-for Mark to do at home."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins understood her object, but had

-no intention of offering employment to Mark.

-He looked at the widow with a peculiar smile,

-and enjoyed the disappointment which his next

-words were calculated to bring.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I dare say Mark can hire out to some good

-farmer," he replied, indifferently. "Farming is

-a good healthy business."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning sighed, for she rightly interpreted

-that no place in the shop was to be offered

-to Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ahem!" said the squire, changing the subject;

-"you have a boarder, I understand?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; Mr. Taylor makes his home with us."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A sensible move on his part. It was a

-strange thing to live in the woods by himself so

-many years. I hope he will be able to pay his

-board."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He pays regularly every week," answered

-the widow.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I presume he's quite poor?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark thinks he has considerable money, but

-I have no means of judging, except that he pays

-his bills promptly."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark is an inexperienced boy," he said. "The

-truth is, as I understand, old Anthony receives

-a small pension from some relatives in New York.

-It can't be much, but I hope, for your sake,

-that he has enough to pay his board."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning began to wonder whether this

-was what Squire Collins came to talk about. She

-was soon more fully informed.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How long have you lived in this cottage,

-Mrs. Manning?" asked the squire.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ten years, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You hire of Deacon Brooks?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Ahem! I came here this morning to acquaint

-you with the fact that I have just bought the

-property."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Has Deacon Brooks sold to you?" asked the

-widow, in surprise.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; the papers have passed, and the transfer

-has been made. I am now the legal owner."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall be glad to keep the house, Squire

-Collins, if you have no other views," said Mrs.

-Manning. "I have been paying five dollars a

-month rent, and if that is satisfactory——"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The fact is, Mrs. Manning," interrupted the

-squire, "I <i>have</i> other views. I intend to raise

-the house a story, and have promised to rent

-it, when completed, to my foreman, Mr. Lake,

-who contemplates marriage. He is boarding at

-present, as you know."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning was very much disturbed. It is

-no light thing to be forced to leave a house which

-has been one's home for a period of ten years,

-especially in a country town where surplus houses

-are generally scarce and hard to find.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know where I can go," said the

-widow, anxiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No doubt you'll find some place," said the

-squire, carelessly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How soon do you want me to vacate the

-house, Squire Collins?" asked Mrs. Manning,

-anxiously.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"At the end of the month."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But that is only a week from to-day."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Quite true."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is a very short time."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It ought to be time enough, Mrs. Manning,"

-said the squire, stiffly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would be willing to pay a little higher rent

-if you would allow me to remain, Squire Collins."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Quite out of the question, Mrs. Manning.

-Indeed, I will say that I think you already pay

-all you can afford to. I doubt whether you will

-be able—with Mark out of employment—to keep

-up your present rent. As I understand, about

-all your income comes from a boarder, whose

-means must be extremely limited, and who, in

-all probability, will end his days in the alms-house."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know of any other house in the

-village."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Well, you can think it over; of course that is

-your own affair, not mine."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If Mark were only at home," said the perplexed

-woman; "I would know better what to

-do."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You had better send for him then. Good

-morning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins rose and left the presence of the

-widow whom he had made thoroughly anxious

-and unhappy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>In the course of the afternoon old Anthony

-came home. He was looking unusually jubilant

-and happy, in direct contrast with the widow's

-anxious face.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mrs. Manning," he said, "I bring you good

-news."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am glad of it, sir, for I have only bad news."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And what is your bad news?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I must leave this house."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"How is that?" asked the hermit, looking

-surprised.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Because it has been sold. Squire Collins has

-bought it, and says that he is intending to enlarge

-it, and then let it to Mr. Lake, his foreman."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And that is all your bad news?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; but I consider it bad enough. I

-don't know where I can go."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will let you have my cabin in the woods

-rent free," said the hermit, with a smile.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't know but I shall have to go there,"

-said the widow, sighing.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You don't ask me what my good news is,"

-said Anthony.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I would like to hear it, sir."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"By day after to-morrow Mark will be home."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning's face did brighten up at this

-intelligence.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"This is really good news," she said gladly.

-"Mark will advise me what to do."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Mark will not come alone. Do you think,

-Mrs. Manning, you can accommodate another

-boarder?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Who is it, sir?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"A little boy. I don't care to keep it secret.

-It is my grandson."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Your grandson?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; I sent Mark out West to find him. He

-has succeeded in his mission, and the two are now

-on the way home."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I shall be glad to take him, sir, if I have anywhere

-to receive him. Squire Collins's visit has

-rather upset me, and I don't know what to do, or

-where to turn."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If your only trouble is about a house, I will

-undertake to find one for you. Don't borrow any

-trouble on that score."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"But I don't know of any house that will come

-within my means."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am afraid, Mrs. Manning, that you haven't

-confidence in me. I tell you again, not to borrow

-any trouble. I may as well tell you that this

-house will not be large enough for your increased

-family, and that I intended to propose to you to

-take another."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The widow's anxiety was somewhat relieved.

-Still she could not help wondering what house

-old Anthony would succeed in finding. There

-was one comfort. In two days Mark would be at

-home, and would be able to help him.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch36' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVI. <br /> THE HERMIT SECURES A HOUSE.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>A short</span> distance from the house occupied by

-Squire Collins was one which had been for six

-months vacant. It had been erected as a summer

-residence by a New York gentleman, and

-occupied by him for several seasons. It was the

-finest house in the village, and it seemed a pity it

-should remain untenanted.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mr. Beech, the builder, now spent his summers

-at various watering-places, and had apparently

-tired of Pocasset. It was understood that the

-house was left in the hands of Mr. Thompson,

-who was authorized to let it to a responsible

-tenant.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony the next morning made it in his

-way to call at the office of Mr. Thompson. The

-latter received him with his usual courtesy.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hear that you are boarding with Mrs. Manning,

-Mr. Taylor," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think you must find it much more agreeable

-than your life in the woods."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I do; I am getting over my misanthropy,

-and am taking more cheerful views of life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That is good. My son Frank is an intimate

-friend of Mark, and thinks a great deal of him

-and his mother."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So do I," responded the hermit. "Mark is a

-straightforward boy, and will succeed life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hope so. I wish I had anything for him to

-do—Frank would be glad. Perhaps in time I may

-find him a place."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think I shall be able to provide employment

-for Mark myself," said the hermit, quietly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mr. Thompson regarded him with surprise.

-Like the rest of the villagers, he had been in the

-habit of regarding old Anthony as a man of

-limited means.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"By-the-way, Mr. Thompson, I called this

-morning on a little matter of business," continued

-the hermit. "I believe you have the rental of

-the Beach house."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mr. Thompson, somewhat

-surprised.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am acquainted with a family who are on the

-lookout for a house in Groveton. This, I think,

-would suit them, if the rent is not too high."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It is, you know, a fine house. Would your

-friends like to have it furnished?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think so."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"In that case, the rent will be four hundred

-dollars a year, or a hundred dollars a quarter.

-In the city, or at Long Branch, as you probably

-are aware, four times as much would be required."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think that will be satisfactory. Can immediate

-possession be given?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes; I will at once set the cleaners to work,

-and have it got ready by the end of the week.

-One question I am obliged to ask. Is the party

-for whom you are acting, responsible, in a pecuniary

-way?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"The first quarter's rent will be paid in advance."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Pretty satisfactory. May I ask the name of

-the tenant?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There are reasons for keeping it secret for a

-few days."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, well, that is not material."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Old Anthony never said a word about what he

-had done, for, as my readers will conjecture, he

-meant to have Mark and his mother occupy the

-house. It did, however, get noised about, that

-Mr. Beach's house was taken. Squire Collins

-among others, was curious to ascertain something

-about the new tenants, and made a call on Mr.

-Thompson, with the special object of finding

-out.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am no wiser than you, Squire Collins," said

-Mr. Thompson. "Of course we shall all know in

-a few days."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"By whom was the matter negotiated?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"There again I am bound to secrecy, but all

-will be known."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of course the party must have ample means,

-and I look forward to having a pleasant neighbor—there

-are very few in the village with whom

-we can associate, on an equality, and so any good

-family is an acquisition."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You are more fastidious than I, Squire Collins,"

-said Mr. Thompson smiling. "I don't value

-men according to the size of their pocket-books."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You must admit, however, that refinement

-and wealth are likely to go together. You are

-not too democratic for that?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I am not sure. I have known many rich

-people who were very far from being refined.

-By-the-way, I hear that you have bought the

-house occupied by Mrs. Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shall you allow her to remain there?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No; I mean to enlarge it, and let my foreman

-occupy it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"That will be a disappointment to Mrs. Manning."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Oh, I suppose so," said the squire, carelessly;

-"but that is her lookout, not mine."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I really don't know of any house in the village

-she can obtain."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I really haven't troubled my mind about the

-matter," he said.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If I had time, I don't know but I would build

-them a small cottage on the vacant lot I have on

-Glen Street."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Take my advice, and don't; the widow is in

-very precarious circumstances. Her son, Mark,

-is out of employment."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Can't you find him something to do, in your

-shop?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I could, but do not feel disposed to. He is a

-very independent boy, and more than once, he

-treated my son, James, in a disrespectful way.

-No; he must shift for himself some other way."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Of the two boys, I certainly very much prefer

-Mark," thought Mr. Thompson; but politeness

-prevented his saying so.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Squire Collins soon took his leave, having

-failed to acquire the information he sought.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-<div class='chapter'>

-  <h2 id='ch37' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVII. <br /> CONCLUSION.</h2>

-</div>

-<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Meanwhile</span>, Mrs. Manning could not help

-feeling anxious, about her prospects of a house.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Have you heard of any house, Mr. Taylor?"

-she asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The hermit smiled.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't be troubled, Mrs. Manning," he said;

-"when you leave this house you will find another

-one to move into."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning was silenced, but still disquieted.

-She was even tempted to wonder whether old

-Anthony was really quite right in his mind. But

-there was nothing to be done. She could only

-wait, patiently.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The next day Mark arrived with little Jack.

-He was looking unusually well, his journey having

-given him a healthy color, and added to his

-flesh. Jack was still thin and pale, but was

-beginning to look better than when under Peggy's

-care.</p>

-

-<div  class='figcenter id001'>

-<img src='images/p260.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />

-<div class='ic002'>

-<p>The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms and kissed him.</p>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<p class='c013'>The hermit was much moved, as he took the

-boy in his arms and kissed him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can see my daughter's looks in you, Jack,"

-he said. "I fear your life has been a sad one,

-poor child. It shall be my task to repay you for

-the hardships you have had to meet in your short

-life."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Little Jack seemed to take instinctively to the

-rough-looking but, kind-hearted old man. The

-poor match boy seemed to have drifted into a

-haven of rest.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Shall I ever have to go back to Peggy?" he

-asked.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Never, my child. This good lady," indicating

-Mrs. Manning, "will supply the place of your

-own mother."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will sell matches for you, if you want me to,

-grandfather. I didn't like working for Peggy,

-but I will work for you."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My dear Jack, instead of working you must

-go to school, and learn all you can. When you

-are grown up, it will be time for you to work."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It soon became noised about that the little boy,

-who was seen about the village with Mark, was

-the hermit's grandson. But the grandson of

-old Anthony was not considered a very important

-person, and only excited passing interest.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was let into the secret of the new home

-to which Mr. Taylor proposed to move, and he

-was naturally pleased to think that his mother's

-condition was to be so much improved.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Nothing had leaked out in the village, however,

-about the contemplated removal.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The week was nearly ended when Mark happened

-to meet James Collins in the street.

-James had been informed by his father that Mrs.

-Manning had received notice to leave the cottage,

-and it gratified his dislike of Mark. What puzzled

-him was, Mark's apparent indifference and

-evident good spirits.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he thinks my father will relent, and

-let him stay, but he'll find himself mistaken as I

-shall let him know when I get a chance."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The chance came that very day.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" said James, as Mark was about to

-pass him.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" responded Mark smiling.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I hear you've got to move."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"So I hear."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"It's high time you were finding a new house."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think so myself, but that's my mother's

-business."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You needn't think my father will let you

-stay where you are."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Don't you think he would let us stay a month

-longer?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"No, I don't."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"He wouldn't put us out in the street, would

-he?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Look here, Mark Manning, I see what you

-are at. You want to impose on my father's good

-nature. I shall warn him of your plan."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Just as you please, James."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>The result was that Squire Collins, sharing to

-some extent his son's apprehensions, made a call

-that same evening at the cottage. All the family

-were at home.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>After the usual greetings were over, the squire

-said:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I suppose, Mrs. Manning, you will be ready

-to move on Saturday?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Suppose my mother can't get a house," suggested

-Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"She <i>must</i> find a house," said the squire, severely.

-"She has had time enough to find one.

-You mustn't blame me if I say that move you

-must on Saturday."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You need have no anxiety, Squire Collins,"

-said Mrs. Manning, with dignity. "I intend to

-move on that day."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And where, may I ask?" inquired the squire,

-with curiosity.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We move into the Beach house," answered

-Mark, his eyes fixed with smiling interest on the

-village magnate.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What!" exclaimed the squire in amazement

-and incredulity. "Do you mean the house near

-mine?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"You must be crazy," he gasped. "That is a

-very elegant house, and the rent is high."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think we can pay it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And your furniture is unfit for so handsome

-a residence, even if there were enough of it."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We hire the house with its present furniture,"

-said Mark complacently.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't understand it at all!" exclaimed the

-perplexed squire. "How can you, being almost

-a beggar, dream of living there?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I think, Squire Collins," said old Anthony,

-quietly, "that you are somewhat in error as to

-my young friend Mark's circumstances."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"What do you mean?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I mean that he has a very good property

-for a boy of his age."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Mark was as much amazed as the squire at

-this statement. The latter said with a sneer:</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"And where is this famous property?"</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I will inform you with pleasure. There are a

-thousand dollars to his credit in a savings' bank

-in New York, and he holds a mortgage of four

-thousand dollars on your manufactory."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Even Mark thought Anthony was out of his

-mind.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Why," stammered the squire, "I negotiated

-that mortgage through Mr. Hardy, of New York."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Exactly! The money he advanced he held in

-trust for Mark."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I can't believe this!" exclaimed the squire in

-mortification and bewilderment.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Is this really true, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"Yes. Let me inform you, Squire Collins,

-that though I have lived as a hermit, I am really

-a moderately rich man, and some time since

-transferred without his knowledge five thousand

-dollars to Mark here, who, as you see, is really

-chief owner of the shop from which you discharged

-him."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I didn't dream of this!" ejaculated the

-squire.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I presume not," said the hermit dryly.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"If Mark chooses to come back into the shop, I

-will raise his wages."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"My friend Hardy intends to offer Mark a

-position in his office in the city, which I think

-will suit him better. It only remains to say

-that this cottage will be vacated on Saturday."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"I don't want to inconvenience Mrs. Manning,"

-said the squire, filled with respect by the

-unexpected prosperity of those whom he had

-come to bully. "Stay another week if you wish."</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>"We don't wish, thank you," said Mark.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>It was a wonderful story that Squire Collins

-had to tell at home, and the deep chagrin of

-James can be imagined. But he was worldly

-wise, and he soon decided to court the boy he had

-hitherto despised. What annoyed him most was

-the thought Mark held a mortgage on his

-father's shop, and was to live in a house handsomer

-than his own.</p>

-

-<hr class='c006' />

-

-<p class='c013'>Five years have elapsed since the incidents

-recorded above. Mark fills a responsible position

-in the office of Mr. Hardy, with a handsome salary.

-Little Jack is now a rosy, healthy child of

-thirteen, and those who remembered him as a

-match boy would not know him now. His grandfather's

-happiness is bound up in his little grandson,

-but he is still very much attached to Mark,

-and he has made a new will, in which he divides

-his fortune equally between these two.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor is again within the walls of a

-penitentiary, having forged a check upon a well-known

-merchant of Chicago; and old Peggy,

-taking Jack's place, is to be seen any day on

-Clark or State streets, with a basket of matches,

-which she makes an excuse for appealing to the

-charity of passers by. Her face is growing redder

-and redder, as her potations increase, and she

-will probably end her career in a hospital or

-alms-house.</p>

-

-<p class='c013'>James Collins is now a clerk in Newport, on a

-small salary, with which he is very much discontented,

-and from time to time asks a loan of

-his old schoolfellow, Mark, to whom he is now

-compelled to look up. He has developed extravagant

-tastes, and is always in debt. I greatly

-fear that neither his habits nor his fortunes

-will improve as he grows older. For our hero,

-Mark, and those who belong to him, we may anticipate

-brighter days and greater prosperity, as

-a fitting recompense of industry and good habits.</p>

-

-<div class='nf-center-c0'>

-<div class='nf-center c005'>

-    <div>THE END.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

-

-<p class='c013'><span class='xlarge'>A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for

-Young People by Popular Writers, 52-58

-Duane Street, New York</span></p>

-<hr class='c020' />

-<p class='c013'><span class='xlarge'>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</span></p>

-<p class='c021'><span class='large'><b>Joe's Luck</b></span>: A Boy's Adventures in California. By

-<span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing situations

-are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and the

-fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co.,

-Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly

-one of his best.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom the Bootblack</b></span>; or, The Road to Success. By

-<span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all

-ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better

-himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.

-Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The

-plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable

-fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Dan the Newsboy.</b> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,

-cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</span></p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is

-pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of New

-York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mordaunts.

-The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house

-where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little

-heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities

-that she adopts him as her heir.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tony the Hero</b></span>: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a

-Tramp. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price

-$1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of

-Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away

-and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a

-large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws

-him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided

-for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony

-is prosperous. A very entertaining book.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Errand Boy</b></span>; or, How Phil Brent Won Success.

-By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a

-smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper

-named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's

-subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the

-situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom Temple's Career.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,

-cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village

-to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission

-to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that

-the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have been

-reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for

-himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a

-situation as a cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a

-wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter

-helps the lad to gain success and fortune.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom Thatcher's Fortune.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>

-12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his

-mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John

-Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts overland

-for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is told

-in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so many

-homes.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Train Boy.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,

-cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother

-and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee

-Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a

-young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul

-is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude

-takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and

-is well started on the road to business prominence.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Mark Mason's Victory.</b></span> The Trials and Triumphs of

-a Telegraph Boy. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price

-$1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily

-won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many difficulties.

-This story will please the very large class of boys who regard

-Mr. Alger as a favorite author.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Debt of Honor.</b></span> The Story of Gerald Lane's Success

-in the Far West. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price

-$1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and disappointments

-which he passed through before he attained success, will

-interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful

-author.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Ben Bruce.</b></span> Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy.

-By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,

-and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are

-most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's

-most fascinating style.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Castaways</b></span>; or, On the Florida Reefs. By <span class='sc'>James

-Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea

-Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off

-the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind

-through her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to

-the leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and

-Jake the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young

-people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Wrecked on Spider Island</b></span>; or, How Ned Rogers Found

-the Treasure. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn

-a livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers

-a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount

-of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the

-voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most

-captious boy could desire.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Search for the Silver City</b></span>: A Tale of Adventure in

-Yucatan. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam

-yacht Day Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed

-by fire, and then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They

-hear of the wonderful Sliver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians,

-and with the help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the

-golden images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last

-their escape is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so

-full of exciting incidents that the reader is quite carried away with

-the novelty and realism of the narrative.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Runaway Brig</b></span>; or, An Accidental Cruise. By

-<span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering

-sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with

-Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob

-Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document

-which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on

-an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure

-to be fascinated with this entertaining story.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Treasure Finders</b></span>: A Boy's Adventures in

-Nicaragua. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's

-indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The

-boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three

-golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest

-difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We

-doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The

-Treasure Finders."</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Jack, the Hunchback.</b></span> A Story of the Coast of Maine.

-By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. Price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elisabeth,

-on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting.

-From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us

-along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses

-its force.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Washington at Monmouth</b></span>: A Story of Three

-Philadelphia Boys. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine

-edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular

-and frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British

-occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life

-skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are

-given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable

-study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are

-all of Mr. Otis' works.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Lafayette at Yorktown</b></span>: A Story of How Two

-Boys Joined the Continental Army. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental

-cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Two lads from Portmouth, N. H. attempt to enlist in the Colonial

-Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting

-incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excitement

-brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with,

-and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and

-Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain

-in his memory long after that which he has memorized from text

-books has been forgotten.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>At the Siege of Havana.</b></span> Being the Experiences of

-Three Boys Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By <span class='sc'>James

-Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated,

-price $1.50.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's

-history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the

-assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col.

-Israel Putnam.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as

-telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas

-Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily,

-in the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded

-on historical facts.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Defense of Fort Henry.</b></span> A Story of Wheeling

-Creek in 1777. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine

-edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or

-thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and

-women who founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of

-Virginia. The recital of what Elisabeth Zane did is in itself as

-heroic a story as can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed

-by Major McCulloch and his gallant comrades, the sufferings of

-the colonists and their sacrifice of blood and life, stir the

-blood of old as well as young readers.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Capture of the Laughing Mary.</b></span> A Story of Three

-New York Boys in 1776. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental

-cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the

-Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's

-person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They

-do some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an

-American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the

-work. Mr. Otis' books are too well-known to require any particular

-commendation to the young."—Evening Post.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Warren at Bunker Hill.</b></span> A Story of the Siege of

-Boston. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine

-edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after

-the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life

-in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown,

-shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the

-battle of Bunker Hill and closes with the raising of the siege. The

-three heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker,

-incur the enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures

-the boys will like to read."—Detroit Free Press.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With the Swamp Fox.</b></span> The Story of General Marion's

-Spies. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, Illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the

-Carolinas. General Marlon's arrival to take command of these brave

-men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and

-although the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox

-is ever present in the mind of the reader.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>On the Kentucky Frontier.</b></span> A Story of the Fighting

-Pioneers of the West. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than

-that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers-men.

-Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the

-arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was

-captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which

-is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story teller.

-This is one of the most entertaining books for young people which has

-been published.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Sarah Dillard's Ride.</b></span> A Story of South Carolina in

-1780. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail of

-the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's troops.

-Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story, which is

-told as though coming from a youth who experienced these adventures.

-In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out as an

-incident of the plot."—Boston Journal.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Tory Plot.</b></span> A Story of the Attempt to Kill General

-Washington. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,

-price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something

-of the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture

-or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen.

-Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives

-in the matter. They do so, and meet with many adventures and hair-breadth

-escapes. The boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable

-the author to put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge

-concerning one phase of the Revolution."—Pittsburgh Times.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Traitor's Escape.</b></span> A Story of the Attempt to Seize

-Benedict Arnold. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter,

-bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early

-settlers In this country. In an historical work dealing with this

-country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this

-one, which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict

-Arnold's escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of

-Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually figured In the arrest

-of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are included as

-characters."—Albany Union.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Cruise with Paul Jones.</b></span> A Story of Naval Warfare

-in 1776. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life

-when he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity

-to strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with

-his descent upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and

-the famous battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale

-is one who was taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this

-particular cruise was begun."—Chicago Inter-Ocean.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Corporal Lige's Recruit.</b></span> A Story of Crown Point and

-Ticonderoga. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,

-price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story

-of an old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king

-in '58, and who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal

-recruit.' The lad acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in

-the name of God and the continental congress,' infuses much

-martial spirit into the narrative, which will arouse the keenest

-interest as it proceeds. Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Benedict

-Arnold and numerous other famous historical names appear in this

-dramatic tale."—Boston Globe.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Morgan, the Jersey Spy.</b></span> A Story of the Siege of Yorktown

-in 1781. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"The two lads who are utilised by the author to emphasise the details

-of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived

-on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his

-dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown,

-are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks

-his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a

-squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of

-friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one

-of the most entertaining books of the year."—Inter-Ocean.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Young Scout</b></span>: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant.

-By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most

-terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven,

-in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's

-last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate

-of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man

-takes many a desperate chance against the enemy and on more than

-one occasion narrowly escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr.

-Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the public.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Adrift in the Wilds</b></span>: The Adventures of Two Ship-wrecked

-Boys. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco.

-Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys

-reach the shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes

-separated from his party and is captured by hostile Indians,

-but is afterwards rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of

-Southern California.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Young Hero</b></span>; or, Fighting to Win. By <span class='sc'>Edward S.

-Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from

-the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple-minded ladies. Fred

-Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and

-have them arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he

-succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The

-story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be

-glad to read this delightful book.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Lost in the Rockies.</b></span> A Story of Adventure in the

-Rocky Mountains. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is plied upon adventure,

-and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced

-breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures in

-the Rockies and among the Indians.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Jaunt Through Java</b></span>: The Story of a Journey to the

-Sacred Mountain. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth,

-illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of

-two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island

-of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the

-Royal Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be

-met with. It is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a

-lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Boy Patriot.</b></span> A Story of Jack, the Young Friend

-of Washington. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated,

-price $1.50.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose

-pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are

-always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,

-manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid description

-of the battle of Trenton is also found in this story."—Journal of

-Education.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Yankee Lad's Pluck.</b></span> How Bert Larkin Saved his

-Father's Ranch in Porto Rico. By <span class='sc'>Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,

-price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration,

-and is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst

-the story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This

-will, we think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season."—Gazette.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Brave Defense.</b></span> A Story of the Massacre at Fort

-Griswold in 1781. By <span class='sc'>William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price

-$1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during

-the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn.,

-in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls,

-either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on

-the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey

-Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave comrades,

-through their thrilling adventures will be learning something more

-than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity, of bravery,

-of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable in the arena

-of life.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Young Minuteman.</b></span> A Story of the Capture of

-General Prescott in 1777. By <span class='sc'>William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,

-price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British

-occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William

-Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one, dealing

-only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling adventure,

-and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will find not

-only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his own patriotism

-and love of country are deepened.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>For the Temple</b></span>: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By <span class='sc'>G. A.

-Henty</span>. With illustrations by <span class='sc'>S. J. Solomon</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine

-edges, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance

-to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of

-the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."—Graphic.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Roy Gilbert's Search</b></span>: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By

-<span class='sc'>Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges

-with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam

-launch. The three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes.

-Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking

-yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The

-hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed

-with interest.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Slate Picker</b></span>: The Story of a Boy's Life in the

-Coal Mines. By <span class='sc'>Harry Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania.

-Ben Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy

-he advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the

-position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a

-book of extreme interest to every boy reader.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Boy Cruisers</b></span>; or, Paddling in Florida. By St.

-<span class='sc'>George Rathborne</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the

-Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure

-is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into

-a gale in the Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators

-and Andrew gets into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians.

-Mr. Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys, and lads who are

-in search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Captured by Zulus</b></span>: A Story of Trapping in Africa.

-By <span class='sc'>Harry Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob

-Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture

-Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The

-lads escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night.

-They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice

-tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native

-stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom the Ready</b></span>; or, Up from the Lowest. By <span class='sc'>Randolph

-Hill</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, ambitious

-boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and the

-governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a purpose,

-and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages

-to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills

-the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Captain Kidd's Gold</b></span>: The True Story of an Adventurous

-Sailor Boy. By <span class='sc'>James Franklin Fitts</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,

-price $1.00.</p>

-

-<p class='c022'>There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea

-of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese

-and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There

-were many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd.

-Paul Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable

-treasure buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this hook is an

-ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his

-efforts to reach the Island and secure the money form one of the most

-absorbing tales for our youth that has come from the press.</p>

-<hr class='c020' />

-<p class='c022'>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the

-publisher, <b>A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York</b>.</p>

-

-<div class='pbb'>

- <hr class='pb c000' />

-</div>

- <ul class='ul_1 c005'>

-    <li>Transcriber's Notes:

-      <ul  class='ul_2'>

-        <li>Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected.

-        </li>

-        <li>Unbalanced quotation marks were silently corrected.

-        </li>

-        <li>Typographical errors were silently corrected.

-        </li>

-        <li>Spelling and hyphenation was made consistent when a predominant  form was found in

-        this book; otherwise it was not changed.

-        </li>

-      </ul>

-    </li>

-  </ul>

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-<pre>

-

-

-

-

-

-End of Project Gutenberg's Mark Manning's Mission, by Horatio Alger Jr.

-

-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING'S MISSION ***

-

-***** This file should be named 55000-h.htm or 55000-h.zip *****

-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:

-        http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/0/0/55000/

-

-Produced by David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen; cover found

-at http://www.horatioalgersociety.net; and the Online

-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This

-file was produced from images generously made available

-by The Internet Archive)

-

-

-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions

-will be renamed.

-

-Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no

-one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation

-(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without

-permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,

-set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to

-copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to

-protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project

-Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you

-charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you

-do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the

-rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose

-such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and

-research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do

-practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is

-subject to the trademark license, especially commercial

-redistribution.

-

-

-

-*** START: FULL LICENSE ***

-

-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

-

-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free

-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work

-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project

-Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at

-http://gutenberg.org/license).

-

-

-Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works

-

-1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to

-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property

-(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all

-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy

-all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.

-If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the

-terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or

-entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.

-

-1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be

-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who

-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few

-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See

-paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement

-and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic

-works.  See paragraph 1.E below.

-

-1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"

-or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the

-collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an

-individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are

-located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from

-copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative

-works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg

-are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project

-Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by

-freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of

-this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with

-the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by

-keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project

-Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.

-

-1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern

-what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in

-a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check

-the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement

-before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or

-creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project

-Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning

-the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United

-States.

-

-1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

-

-1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate

-access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently

-whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the

-phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,

-copied or distributed:

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with

-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or

-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included

-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license

-

-1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived

-from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is

-posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied

-and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees

-or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work

-with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the

-work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1

-through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the

-Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or

-1.E.9.

-

-1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted

-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution

-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional

-terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked

-to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the

-permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.

-

-1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this

-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.

-

-1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this

-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without

-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with

-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm License.

-

-1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,

-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any

-word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or

-distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than

-"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version

-posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),

-you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a

-copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon

-request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other

-form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

-

-1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,

-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works

-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

-

-1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing

-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided

-that

-

-- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from

-     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method

-     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is

-     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he

-     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the

-     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments

-     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you

-     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax

-     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and

-     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the

-     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to

-     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."

-

-- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies

-     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he

-     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-     License.  You must require such a user to return or

-     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium

-     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of

-     Project Gutenberg-tm works.

-

-- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any

-     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the

-     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days

-     of receipt of the work.

-

-- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free

-     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.

-

-1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set

-forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from

-both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael

-Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the

-Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

-

-1.F.

-

-1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable

-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread

-public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm

-collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic

-works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain

-"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or

-corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual

-property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a

-computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by

-your equipment.

-

-1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right

-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all

-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal

-fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT

-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE

-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE

-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE

-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR

-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH

-DAMAGE.

-

-1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a

-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can

-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a

-written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you

-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with

-your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with

-the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a

-refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity

-providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to

-receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy

-is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further

-opportunities to fix the problem.

-

-1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth

-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER

-WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO

-WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

-

-1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied

-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.

-If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the

-law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be

-interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by

-the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any

-provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.

-

-1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the

-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone

-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance

-with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,

-promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,

-harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,

-that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do

-or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm

-work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any

-Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.

-

-

-Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of

-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers

-including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists

-because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from

-people in all walks of life.

-

-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the

-assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's

-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will

-remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure

-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.

-To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

-and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4

-and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.

-

-

-Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive

-Foundation

-

-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit

-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the

-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal

-Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification

-number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at

-http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg

-Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent

-permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.

-

-The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.

-Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered

-throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at

-809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email

-business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact

-information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official

-page at http://pglaf.org

-

-For additional contact information:

-     Dr. Gregory B. Newby

-     Chief Executive and Director

-     gbnewby@pglaf.org

-

-

-Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg

-Literary Archive Foundation

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide

-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of

-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be

-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest

-array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations

-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt

-status with the IRS.

-

-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating

-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United

-States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a

-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up

-with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations

-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To

-SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any

-particular state visit http://pglaf.org

-

-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we

-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition

-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who

-approach us with offers to donate.

-

-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make

-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from

-outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

-

-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation

-methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other

-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.

-To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate

-

-

-Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic

-works.

-

-Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm

-concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared

-with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project

-Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.

-

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed

-editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.

-unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily

-keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.

-

-

-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:

-

-     http://www.gutenberg.org

-

-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,

-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to

-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.

-

-

-</pre>

-

-  </body>

-  <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.56n on 2017-06-26 20:28:11 GMT -->

-</html>

+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+    <title>Mark Manning's Mission, by Horatio Alger, Jr.—A Project Gutenberg eBook</title>
+    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
+    <style type="text/css">
+       body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; }
+       h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; }
+       h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; }
+       p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; }
+       .sc { font-variant: small-caps; }
+       .large { font-size: large; }
+       .xlarge { font-size: x-large; }
+       .small { font-size: small; }
+       abbr { border-bottom-width: thin; border-bottom-style: dotted; }
+       .lg-container-b { text-align: center; }
+       .lg-container-r { text-align: right; }
+       .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; }
+       .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; }
+       .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; }
+       div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; }
+       ul.ul_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em;
+               margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: disc; }
+       ul.ul_2 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 6.94%; margin-top: .5em;
+               margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: circle; }
+       div.pbb { page-break-before: always; }
+       hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; }
+       .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; }
+       .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; }
+       div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; }
+       .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }
+       .id001 { width:500px; }
+       .id003 { width:70px; }
+       .ic002 { width:100%; }
+       .ig001 { width:100%; }
+       .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 7%; margin-right: 8%;
+               width: 85%; }
+       .nf-center { text-align: center; }
+       .nf-center-c0 { text-align: left; margin: 0.5em 0; }
+       .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; }
+       .c000 { margin-top: 1em; }
+       .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 1em; }
+       .c002 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%;
+               margin-top: 1em; }
+       .c003 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%; }
+       .c004 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%;
+               margin-top: 2em; }
+       .c005 { margin-top: 4em; }
+       .c006 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 42%; width: 15%; margin-right: 43%; }
+       .c007 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; }
+       .c008 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%; width: 10%; margin-right: 45%;
+               margin-top: 2em; }
+       .c009 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; }
+       .c010 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; }
+       .c011 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 2em; }
+       .c012 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c013 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c014 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%; width: 10%; margin-right: 45%; }
+       .c015 { margin-left: 5.56%; font-size: 85%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em;
+               margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c016 { font-size: 85%; }
+       .c017 { font-size: 85%; text-align: right; }
+       .c018 { margin-left: 11.11%; font-size: 85%; }
+       .c019 { margin-left: 11.11%; font-size: 85%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em;
+               margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c020 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%; margin-right: 40%; }
+       .c021 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c022 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       body {width:80%; max-width:45em; margin:auto; }
+    </style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55000 ***</div>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left," said the hermit, as he counted the pieces of gold.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div>
+  <h1 class='c001'>MARK MANNING'S MISSION</h1>
+</div>
+<hr class='c002' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div><span class='large'>The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c003' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div>By HORATIO ALGER, <span class='sc'>Jr.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div><span class='small'>Author of "Mark Mason's Victory," "Ben Bruce,"</span></div>
+    <div><span class='small'>"Bernard Brook's Adventures," "A Debt of Honor,"</span></div>
+    <div><span class='small'>etc., etc.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id003'>
+<img src='images/publogo.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div class='c000'><span class='small'>With Five Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c004' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY,</div>
+    <div>PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+<div class='nf-center c005'>
+    <div><span class='small'>COPYRIGHT 1905</span></div>
+    <div><span class='sc'>By</span> A. L. BURT COMPANY</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c006' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div>MARK MANNING'S MISSION</div>
+    <div>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c005' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 class='c007'>CONTENTS</h2>
+</div>
+<hr class='c008' />
+<table class='table0' summary=''>
+<colgroup>
+<col width='13%' />
+<col width='86%' />
+</colgroup>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><span class='small'>CHAPTER</span></td>
+    <td class='c010'>&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='1'>I</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch01'>Three Young Hunters</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='2'>II</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch02'>The Hermit's Cabin</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='3'>III</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch03'>A Timely Rescue</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='4'>IV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch04'>The Hermit Explains</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='5'>V</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch05'>Lyman Taylor Makes a New Acquaintance</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='6'>VI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch06'>A Tragedy in the Pasture</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='7'>VII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch07'>Mark at Home</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='8'>VIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch08'>Deacon Miller Gets a Clue</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='9'>IX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch09'>The Deacon's Mission</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='10'>X</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch10'>Mark Protects a Friend</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='11'>XI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch11'>Mark is Discharged</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='12'>XII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch12'>Good Luck After Misfortune</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='13'>XIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch13'>The Little Man in Black</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='14'>XIV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch14'>An Important Proposal</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='15'>XV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch15'>The Hermit's Bank</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='16'>XVI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch16'>Lyman Taylor Gains some Information</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='17'>XVII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch17'>On the Trail of Gold</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='18'>XVIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch18'>Lyman's Disappointment</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='19'>XIX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch19'>The Hermit Receives a Call</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='20'>XX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch20'>How Lyman Succeeded</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='21'>XXI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch21'>All Aboard for New York</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='22'>XXII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch22'>In an Office on Broadway</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='23'>XXIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch23'>Mark's Mission</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='24'>XXIV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch24'>What Mark Discovered</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='25'>XXV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch25'>The Little Match Boy</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='26'>XXVI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch26'>Luck Favors Lyman</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='27'>XXVII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch27'>Old Peggy</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='28'>XXVIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch28'>Lyman's Plan</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='29'>XXIX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch29'>Mark Receives a Telegram</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='30'>XXX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch30'>Mark Makes Arrangements with Jack</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='31'>XXXI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch31'>Jack Talks in his Sleep</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='32'>XXXII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch32'>Jack is Pursued</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='33'>XXXIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch33'>Mark Eludes his Pursuers</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='34'>XXXIV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch34'>Mrs. Manning's House is Sold</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='35'>XXXV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch35'>Notice to Quit</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='36'>XXXVI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch36'>The Hermit Secures a House</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='37'>XXXVII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch37'>Conclusion</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+<div class='nf-center c005'>
+    <div><span class='xlarge'>MARK MANNING'S MISSION.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c006' />
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch01' class='c011'>CHAPTER I. <br /> THREE YOUNG HUNTERS.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Two</span> boys, with guns on their shoulders, were
+crossing a meadow towards the Pecasset woods.
+These were situated about a mile from the village,
+and were quite extensive. The two boys were
+James Collins and Tom Wyman, the first, the son
+of a large shoe manufacturer, the other the son
+of the village postmaster. They were about of a
+size, and had the appearance of being sixteen
+years of age. They were very intimate, the
+second being a satellite of the first, who in right
+of his father's wealth considered himself the first
+boy in Pecasset. Tom flattered his vanity by
+acknowledging his pretensions, and this gave him
+his position of favorite with the young aristocrat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should like to be a hunter," said Tom, as
+they walked along.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A fine hunter you'd be," said James, in a tone
+by no means complimentary, for he didn't feel
+it necessary to flatter his humble companion.
+"You never hit anything, you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, James, that's a little too strong," said
+Tom, in a tone of annoyance. "I don't pretend
+to be as good a shot as you are, but still I have
+hit a bird before now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When it was perched on a fence, eh?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, on the wing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who saw you do it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I was alone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I thought," said James, laughing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I did it, really. Of course I can't shoot as
+well as you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think there is a boy in the village can
+come up to me in that line," said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course not; though Mark Manning isn't a
+bad shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning! He's one of the peggers in
+my father's shop, isn't he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Son of the poor widow that lives near the
+schoolhouse?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can he know of gunning? He had
+better stick to the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't say he was equal to you," said
+Tom apologetically, "but I have seen him shoot
+well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has he a gun of his own?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, but he often gets the loan of Farmer
+Jones's."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose he could hit a barn door if he were
+within fifty feet of it," said James, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom was silent. It was not the first time he
+had noticed how distasteful to James was praise of
+any other boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At this moment, from another direction came
+a third boy, of about the same size and age as the
+two already introduced. He also had a gun on his
+shoulder. He had on a well-worn suit of mixed
+cloth, which had been darned in one or two places.
+His face was open and attractive, his form was
+well-knit and muscular, and he was evidently in
+vigorous health.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom Wyman was the first to notice the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Talk of the—old Harry," he said, "and he
+is sure to appear."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean?" asked James, who had
+not yet espied the new arrival.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's Mark Manning coming towards
+us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James condescended to turn his glance in Marks'
+direction.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What brings him here, I wonder?" he said,
+with a curl of the lip.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The same errand that brings us, I should
+judge, from the gun on his shoulder," answered
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>By this time Mark was within calling distance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo, boys!" he said. "Have you shot anything
+yet?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No," answered Tom. "Have you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I have only just come."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why are you not in the shop?" demanded
+James, with the air of a young lord.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because we work only half-time to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you were glad of the holiday?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I would rather have worked. Half-work,
+half-pay, you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose that's quite an important consideration
+for a—a working boy like you," drawled
+James, with an air of patronage.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark surveyed James, with a quizzical smile, for
+he had a genuine boy's disdain for affectation, and
+James was a very good specimen of a self-conceited
+dude, though the latter term had not yet come
+into use.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said, after a slight pause, "it is a
+consideration—to a working boy like me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much now does my father pay you?"
+inquired James, with gracious condescension.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seventy-five cents a day—that's the average."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very fair pay! I suppose you take it home
+to your mother?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She's—ah—very poor, I hear."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark began to find his patronage on the whole
+rather oppressive. He had a sturdy independence
+of feeling that grew restive under the young
+patrician's condescension.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We are poor," he answered, "but we have
+enough to eat, and to wear, and a roof to cover
+us—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly. You are indebted to my father for
+that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see how."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Doesn't he employ you and pay you wages?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, but don't I earn my wages by good
+work?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Really, my good fellow, I can't say. I presume
+you do passably well, or he wouldn't keep
+you in his employ."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it seems to me we are even on that
+score. However, I didn't come here to talk about
+myself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Here there was a sudden diversion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look, James! See that bird!" exclaimed
+Tom, in excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The other two boys looked in the direction indicated,
+and saw a hawk flying swiftly, perhaps
+two hundred feet above them. The three simultaneously
+raised their guns, and Tom and James
+fired. But Mark, upon second thought reserved
+his fire, in order to give his two companions a
+chance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Their guns were discharged, but in vain. The
+bird flew on, apparently unconcerned, considerably
+to their disappointment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now it is my turn!" reflected Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger;
+the effect was soon seen. The bird fluttered
+its wings, then dropped quickly through the air.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By Jove, Mark's hit him!" exclaimed Tom in
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James frowned in evident displeasure.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, he was lucky!" he said significantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had run forward to pick up the bird.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I told you Mark was a good shot!" said Tom,
+who had not so much vanity to wound as James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you think him a better shot than
+I, because he hit the bird and I didn't?" said
+James, reddening.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't say that!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I tell you it was pure luck. I've heard of a
+man who shut his eyes when he fired, but he succeeded
+when all his companions failed. You
+can't judge of one by a single shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Here Mark came up with his trophy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I congratulate you on your success," said
+James, unpleasantly. "I suppose this is the first
+bird you ever shot?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, no!" answered Mark smilingly. "I
+have shot a few before now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A fly lit on my nose just when I was pulling
+the trigger, or I should have brought him down."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That was lucky for me," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, Tom," said James, drawing his companion
+away to the left. "We'd better separate,
+or we shall all be shooting at the same object."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good luck to you then!" said Mark, as the
+two left him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thanks!" said Tom, but James deigned no
+notice of Mark's civility.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch02' class='c007'>CHAPTER II. <br /> THE HERMIT'S CABIN.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> smiled to himself as the boys left him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James doesn't care to associate with us working
+boys," he thought. "Well, I fancy he cares
+as much for my company as I do for his."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was thoroughly independent and self-reliant,
+and had no disposition to trouble himself
+because a particular boy didn't care to associate
+with him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was not self-conceited, but he respected
+himself, and never would have been willing, like
+Tom Wyman, to play the part of an humble
+satellite to the son of a wealthy shoe manufacturer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He reached the edge of the woods, and plunged
+into their shaded recesses. Here and there were
+paths more or less worn. One of these he took.
+It was a considerable time before he found anything
+to shoot at. Finally he fired at a squirrel,
+but the active little animal eluded him, and made
+his way to some covert, whence possibly he
+peeped out with twinkling eyes at his enemy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Farther on he reached a small clearing, in the
+center of which rose an humble log dwelling, of
+the most primitive description.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark regarded it with curiosity, for, though it
+was no new object to him, he knew that it was
+occupied by a man who for five years had baffled
+the curiosity of the neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Now and then he was seen in the village,
+whither he went to procure supplies of food and
+other necessaries. A striking figure he was, with
+his long flowing sandy beard, thickly flecked with
+gray hairs, high forehead, and long, circular
+cloak wrapped around his tall, spare form.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On his head he wore a Spanish sombrero, and
+his appearance in the streets never failed to attract
+the curious eyes of the children.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Once some rude boys followed him with jeers,
+but were never tempted to repeat the rudeness.
+With his long staff upraised, he gave chase to
+them, looking so terrible that they were panic-stricken,
+and with pale faces, scattered in all
+directions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>While Mark was standing near the hermit's
+cabin, he thought he heard a smothered groan
+proceeding from within.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can be the matter," he thought, "can
+old Anthony be sick?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was the name, correct or not, by which
+the hermit was known in the village.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He paused a moment in indecision, but on hearing
+the groan repeated, he overcame his scruples,
+and pushing open the door, which stood ajar, he
+entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On a pallet, at one corner of the main room,
+lay the old man, with his limbs drawn up, as if
+in pain. His back was towards the door.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is there?" he asked, as he heard the
+door open.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A friend," answered Mark. "Are you
+sick?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have a severe attack of rheumatism," answered
+the old man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you have no one to take care of you?"
+said Mark, pityingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I have no friends," answered the old
+man, in a tone half sad, half bitter. "Come
+round to the foot of the bed; let me look at you,"
+he added, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark complied with his request.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony regarded him attentively, and
+said, half to himself, "a good face! a face to be
+trusted!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so," said Mark, with a feeling of pleasure.
+"Can I do anything for you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are willing to help old Anthony? You
+see I know what they call me in the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. I shall be willing and glad to do anything
+for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are a good boy. What is your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know who you are. Your mother is a
+widow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We have little money, but we have never
+wanted for food."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You work for your mother?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I am employed in the shoe factory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A good son will make a good man. You will
+never repent what you are doing for your mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I am sure I shall not," returned Mark,
+warmly. "I ought not, for she has done everything
+for me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What brings you here?" asked the old man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I had a spare afternoon, and came out gunning.
+I was wandering about these woods and
+happened to come this way. How long have you
+been sick?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For several days; but I was able to be about
+till yesterday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you taken no medicine?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No. I thought I might do without it; but I
+find I am mistaken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall I call the doctor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; my disease is of old standing, and I know
+what to do for it. If you are willing to go to the
+drug store for me you may take the bottle on
+yonder shelf and get it filled. The druggist will
+understand what is wanted. You may also get
+me a box of rheumatic pills."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I will go at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You will want money. Look in the box on
+yonder shelf, and select a gold piece. Pay for
+the articles and bring back the change."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark went to the shelf, and in a square wooden
+box found a collection of gold and silver coins
+from which he selected a five-dollar gold piece.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have taken five dollars," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you not afraid to leave this money so exposed
+while you are sick and helpless?" Mark
+ventured to inquire.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no visitors," answered old Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But you might have. Some tramp——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is true. Perhaps it would be well to
+provide for that contingency. Will you take it
+all, and take care of it for me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark regarded the old man with surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What—take it away with me?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. I shall have to employ you as my man
+of business till I get better. I will speak with
+you about it further when you return with the
+medicines."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know how much there is here?"
+asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; you may count it, if you like."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark did so and announced as the result of his
+count, "Twenty-nine dollars and thirty cents."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well! You may keep an account of
+what you expend for me," said the old man, indifferently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He seems to put a good deal of confidence in
+me," Mark reflected, with some satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is there nothing else you want in the village?"
+Mark asked, as he prepared to go.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may bring me a loaf of fresh bread and
+a quart of milk, if it will not be too much trouble.
+You will find a tin measure for the milk on the
+shelf."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here it is, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you would like something nourishing—some
+meat, for instance—I can get my mother to
+cook you some," continued Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not to-day. Another day I may avail myself
+of your kind offer. You are very kind—to a poor
+recluse."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid you don't pass a very pleasant
+life," said Mark. "I should be miserable if I
+lived alone in the woods, like you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No doubt, no doubt. You are young and
+life opens before you bright and cheerful. As for
+me, I have lived my life. For me no prospect
+opens but the grave. Why, indeed, should I
+seek to prolong this miserable life?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark hardly knew how to answer him. He
+could not enter into the old man's morbid feelings.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will be back soon," he said as he left the
+cabin.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch03' class='c007'>CHAPTER III. <br /> A TIMELY RESCUE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark Manning</span> left the cabin and made his
+way as quickly as possible to the edge of the
+wood. He hadn't got over his wonder at the
+hermit's commission and singular confidence in
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems strange," he said to himself, "to
+have so much money in my pocket. Nearly
+thirty dollars! I wonder whether I shall ever
+have as much of my own?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In truth, thirty dollars seemed a much larger
+sum to our hero, brought up in a hand to hand
+struggle with poverty, than it would have appeared
+if he had been ten years older.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He must have more money," thought Mark,
+"or he would not care so little for this sum as to
+trust it all to me. How does he know that I
+will prove honest?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Nevertheless it was a satisfaction to Mark to
+reflect that old Anthony was justified in his confidence.
+Had the sum been ten times as large, he
+would not have been tempted to retain any of it
+for his own use.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He kept on his way to the drug store, and
+asked for the medicines already referred to.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is your mother sick?" asked the druggist,
+who was very well acquainted with Mark and his
+family.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, then it is you who are rheumatic," said
+the druggist jokingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wrong again," answered Mark. "I am
+buying the medicines for old Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then he is sick? That accounts for his not
+having appeared in the village for several days."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Thereupon Mark described his chance visit to
+the cabin, and the condition in which he had
+found the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"These remedies will do him good," said the
+druggist, "if he is otherwise kept comfortable.
+A strange man is old Anthony!" he continued
+musingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark produced a gold piece, from which he requested
+the druggist to take pay for the articles
+purchased.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did the hermit give you this?" asked the
+druggist.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark answered in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it is evident he is not without means.
+However, I might have known that. During the
+years that he has lived in the wood, he has
+always been prompt in his payments for all articles
+purchased in the village. His expenditures are
+small, to be sure, but in five years they have
+amounted to considerable."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What could have induced him to settle in
+such a lonely spot?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is more than any one hereabouts can
+tell. He is very secretive, and never says anything
+about himself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>By this time Mark was ready to return. He
+went to the grocery store, where he obtained the
+milk and loaf of bread, which he had also been
+commissioned to procure. Then he set out for
+old Anthony's lonely cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Before doing so, he heard something from the
+grocer that aroused his curiosity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There was a man in here only twenty minutes
+since," said the storekeeper, "who was asking
+after Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was it a stranger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. It was a man I never saw before. He
+was a stout, broad-shouldered man with a bronzed
+face, who looked as if he might be a sailor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he say who he was?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only that Anthony was a relation of his, and
+that he had not seen him for years."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he say he meant to call upon him?" asked
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He did not say so, but as he inquired particularly
+for the location of the cabin, I took it for
+granted that this was his intention."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then probably I shall see him, as I am going
+directly back to the wood."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He will probably be there unless he loses his
+way."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Leaving Mark to return by the same way he
+came, we will precede him, and make acquaintance
+with the man who had excited the grocer's
+curiosity by inquiring for the old hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony lay on his pallet waiting for the
+return of Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I like the boy," he said to himself. "He has
+an honest face. He looks manly and straightforward.
+He has never joined the other village boys
+in jeering. If my nephew had been like him he
+might have been a comfort to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The old man sighed. What thoughts passed
+through his mind were known only to him; but
+that they were sad ones seemed clear from the
+expression of his face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Time passed as he lay quiet. Then he heard a
+noise at the door and the step of one entering the
+cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is that you, Mark?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There was a pause. Then a harsh voice answered:
+"No; it isn't Mark, whoever he may
+be. It is some one who ought to be nearer to you
+than he."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony started in evident excitement, and
+by an effort managed to turn round his head so
+as to see the intruder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>His eyes rested on a man rather above the
+middle height, shabbily clad, with a dark face
+and threatening expression.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Lyman Taylor!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Lyman Taylor," returned the other,
+mockingly. "Are you glad to see your nephew?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Heaven knows I am not!" said old Anthony
+bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I judged from your expression. Yet they
+say blood is thicker than water."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That there is any tie of blood between us I
+regret deeply. A man more utterly unworthy I
+have never known."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, Uncle Anthony, isn't that a little
+strong. I am no angel——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are a worthless scoundrel," said the
+hermit bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, old man," said his nephew fiercely,
+"I didn't come here to be insulted and called bad
+names. Considering that you are alone and in
+my power, it is a little impertinent in you to talk
+in that way. I might kill you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are quite capable of it," said Anthony.
+"Do so, if you choose. Life is not a possession
+that I greatly prize."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have a great mind to take you at your
+word," said Taylor coolly, "but it wouldn't suit
+my purpose. Your death would do me no good
+unless you have made me your heir. I am desperately
+in need of money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Work for it, then!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you! You are very kind; but employers
+are rather shy of me. I have no recommendations
+to offer. I don't mind telling you
+that I have spent the last four years in prison."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A very suitable place for you," said the old
+man in a caustic tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you again! You are complimentary."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This is the reason why you have not found
+me out before?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Precisely. You don't suppose I would otherwise
+have kept away from you so long, my most
+affectionate uncle!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you recall the circumstances of our last
+parting? I awoke in California to find myself
+robbed of the large sum of money I had with me.
+Of course, you took it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't mind owning that I did. But I
+haven't a cent of it left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That I can easily believe. Why have you
+sought me out?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I want more money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I supposed. You can judge from my way
+of living whether I am likely to have any for
+you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't appear to be living in luxury.
+However, it costs something to keep body and
+soul together even in this den. Of course, you
+have some money. However little it is, I want
+it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you will be disappointed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where do you keep your money?" demanded
+Lyman Taylor, roughly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Even if I had any. I wouldn't tell you!"
+said the brave old man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, old man, no trifling! Either you
+will find some money for me, or I will choke
+you!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He got down on one knee and stooped menacingly
+over the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At that moment Mark Manning, who had returned
+from his errand, reached the doorway,
+and stood a surprised and indignant witness of
+this exciting scene.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony struggled, but ineffectually in
+the grasp of the ruffian who had attacked him.
+Even if he had not been disabled by disease he
+would not have been a match for Lyman Taylor,
+who was at least twenty-five years younger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't touch me, you scoundrel!" said Anthony,
+whose spirit exceeded his bodily strength.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then tell me where you keep your money!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That I will not do!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I'll see if I can't find a way to make
+you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>As he spoke the young man grabbed the hermit
+by the throat. He concluded too hastily
+that old Anthony was in his power. He was destined
+to a surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let the old man alone!" cried Mark, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor looked up in surprise and some
+alarm. But when he saw that the words proceeded
+from a boy, he laughed derisively.</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p022.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>Mark dropped his bundles, and taking the musket pointed it<br />at the ruffian, saying: "Let go, or I will shoot."</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mind your own business, you young bantam,
+or I'll wring your neck!" he said contemptuously.
+"Now, let me know where you keep your money,"
+he said, turning once more to the old man, and
+preparing to choke him into an avowal of his
+secret.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let go, instantly, or I will shoot!" exclaimed
+Mark, now thoroughly aroused.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Once more the ruffian turned, and this time
+his countenance changed, for Mark, boyish but
+resolute, had dropped his bundles, and had the
+musket pointed directly at him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Taylor rose to his feet suddenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take care, there!" he said, nervously. "Put
+down that gun!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then leave old Anthony alone!" returned
+Mark, resolutely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you my uncle's guardian?" demanded
+Lyman, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he is your uncle, the more shame to you
+to treat him brutally!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't come here to be lectured by a boy,"
+said Taylor, angrily. "Put down that gun!"</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch04' class='c007'>CHAPTER IV. <br /> THE HERMIT EXPLAINS.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> did not obey directly, but turning to the
+hermit said, "Do you want this man to leave the
+cabin?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the old man, "but beware of
+him! He is all that is bad!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A pretty recommendation to come from your
+uncle," said Taylor, sullenly. "Uncle Anthony,
+I ask you once more to give me money. I am
+penniless, and am a desperate man."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is no money in this cabin, and you
+would search for it in vain, but if you will promise
+to leave this place and trouble me no more, I
+will provide you with five dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are five dollars?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All that you will get. Do you make the
+promise?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, yes—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark, you may give this man five dollars on
+my account."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is he your treasurer!" inquired Taylor, in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has charge of some funds out of which he
+buys me what I need."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much money have you got of my uncle's,
+boy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care to answer the question. Ask
+your uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A small sum only. It won't be worth your
+while, Lyman, to plot for its possession."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you no other money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"None that you are likely to get hold of.
+I will save you the trouble of searching the cabin,
+or prowling round it, by repeating that I have
+no money concealed here. You know me well
+enough to know that I am not deceiving you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor listened in sullen disappointment.
+He did know that his uncle's word could
+be relied upon implicitly, and that the hopes which
+he had built up of securing a large fund from the
+uncle he had once robbed, were not destined to be
+realized.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems you are a pauper, then," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have not been compelled to ask for charity
+yet," answered Anthony. "I live here for next
+to nothing, and have not suffered yet for the
+necessities of life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor looked around him contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must have a sweet time living here," he
+said, "in this lonely old cabin."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would not exchange it for the place in which
+you confess that you have passed the last four
+years."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Taylor frowned, but did not otherwise notice
+the old man's retort.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give me the five dollars, boy," he said, "and
+I will go. It seems I am wasting time here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark drew a gold piece from his pocket and
+passed it to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you many more of these?" he demanded,
+his eyes gleaming with cupidity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give me another."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They are not mine to give."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not another one, Mark," said Anthony.
+"He does not deserve even that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Make way, then, and I will go," said the
+nephew, convinced that he had no more to expect.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark moved aside, and he strode out of the
+cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good-bye, Uncle Anthony," he said. "You
+haven't treated me very generously, considering
+how long it is since you did anything for me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you utterly shameless, Lyman?" said
+the hermit. "I hope never to set eyes on you
+again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, you are very kind. Boy, what
+is your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, Mark, as you appear to be in charge of
+my uncle, I shall be glad to have you write me if
+anything happens to him. As his nearest relative
+and heir, I ought to be notified."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark looked to the hermit for directions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give him your address, Lyman," said Anthony.
+"If there is any news to interest you,
+he shall write. But don't calculate on my speedy
+death. It is hardly likely to benefit you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I may want to visit your grave, uncle," said
+Lyman, jeeringly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give him an address where a letter will
+reach you then."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No. —— Third Avenue, New York," said
+Taylor. "Write soon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He left the cabin, and old Anthony and Mark
+were alone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is my nearest relative," said the old man,
+"and a relative to be proud of, eh, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Years since we were in California together,
+I had two thousand dollars in gold dust under
+my pillow. My nephew was my companion, but
+none of the gold belonged to him. I woke one
+morning to find my nephew gone, and my gold
+also. From that time I have not set eyes on him
+till to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was a shabby trick," said Mark, warmly.
+"Were you left destitute?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So far as money went, yes. But I was the
+owner of a claim which my nephew thought exhausted.
+I resumed work on it, and three days
+later made a valuable find. Within a month I
+took out ten thousand dollars, and sold it for five
+thousand more."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your nephew does not know this, does he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; if he had, I should not have got rid of
+him so easily. But I have not told you all. I
+remained in California a year longer, and left it
+worth forty thousand dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then why—excuse me for asking—have you
+come to this poor cabin to live?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I had one other relative than Lyman, a
+daughter—I left her at a boarding-school in Connecticut.
+I returned to find that she had married
+an adventurer a month previous. Two years
+later I heard of her death. Life had lost its
+charm for me. I would not deprive myself of
+it, but in a fit of misanthropy I buried myself
+here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony seemed weary, and Mark questioned
+him no more, but set before him the milk
+and loaf which he had brought with him.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch05' class='c007'>CHAPTER V. <br /> LYMAN TAYLOR MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>On</span> leaving the cabin Mark promised to call
+again the next afternoon, bringing from the village
+such articles as Anthony might require.
+This he could readily do as the shoe manufactory
+was not running full time.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will see that you are paid for your trouble,"
+said the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That will be all right," said Mark, cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am able to pay you, and will employ you
+only on that condition," persisted Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall not object to that part of the bargain,"
+said Mark, smiling. "Money never comes amiss
+to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have plenty of money, though I would not
+admit it to my nephew," continued the sick man.
+"He would persecute me till I bought him off.
+Fortunately he thinks I am poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But," said Mark, "suppose he should come
+back. Would not your money be in danger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He would find none here. I do not keep any
+in this cabin. I did have some, but it is in your
+hands."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall I not return it to you, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I prefer that you should keep it. You
+will be using money for me daily, and for the
+present you shall be my treasurer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am very much obliged to you for reposing
+so much confidence in me," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I trust you entirely. You have an honest
+face."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir. I will endeavor to deserve
+your confidence."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was past four o'clock when Mark left the
+cabin and started on his way homeward. He
+walked along thoughtfully, carrying his gun
+over his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems I have a near friend," he reflected;
+"and one who may be of service to me. Now
+that the shop is no longer running full time, it
+will be convenient to earn a little extra money,
+old Anthony must be rich, judging from what he
+said about his success in California."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark could not help wondering where the hermit
+kept his money. But for Anthony's positive
+assurance, he would have conjectured that he
+kept it somewhere concealed about the cabin,
+but that being left out of the question he was
+at a loss to fix upon any probable place of
+deposit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Leaving Mark for a brief time; we go back to
+the other two young hunters, from whom he had
+separated two hours before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't like that boy," said James Collins.
+"He puts on too many airs for a poor boy. I
+suppose he will be crowing over his successful
+shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very likely," chimed in his companion, who
+made it a point to flatter James by agreeing with
+everything he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was only a lucky accident," continued
+James. "He couldn't do it again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course not. I don't think he is really as
+good a shot as you or I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You can hardly class yourself with me," said
+James egotistically. "However. I agree with
+you that he is inferior to you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quick, James!" said Tom Wyman. "There
+is a squirrel—shoot! I'll give you the first
+chance."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James pulled the trigger, but the squirrel was
+not destined to fall by his hands. He scampered
+away, looking back saucily at the baffled young
+hunter.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was ever anything more provoking?" asked
+James in evident chagrin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Later in the afternoon when the two boys were
+slowly strolling homewards, they saw a strange
+man issuing from the woods. It was Lyman
+Taylor, returned from his only partially successful
+visit to his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He waited till the boys came up.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good afternoon, young gentlemen," he said
+by way of greeting.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good afternoon," returned James stiffly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He doubted whether the newcomer was a man
+whom it was worth while to notice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What luck have you had? I see you have
+been out hunting."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We didn't shoot anything we thought worth
+bringing home," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I met another boy out with a gun. Perhaps
+he is a friend of yours."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James and Tom exchanged glances. They understood
+very well that Mark Manning was meant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I know the boy you met," said James.
+"It is a poor boy who works in my father's manufactory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is his name?" asked Lyman Taylor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he live in the village?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; his mother is a poor widow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did you meet him?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At a cabin in the woods."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony's?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; the hermit is an uncle of mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The two boys regarded the speaker with interest.
+All the villagers had some curiosity about the
+man who had settled so near them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is his name?" inquired Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You called him old Anthony," said Lyman,
+smiling. "That is his name."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But his other name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"His last name is Taylor, I have not seen him
+before for five years. Does he often come into
+the village?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About twice a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose he comes to buy food?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I suppose so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he appear to be provided with money?"
+asked Taylor with some eagerness.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I believe so," replied Tom. "He has
+sometimes come into our place—father is the postmaster—to
+get a gold piece changed. But I don't
+suppose he has much money. It doesn't cost him
+much to live."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he ever get any letters—as your father
+is postmaster, you can probably tell."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think so; my father has never mentioned
+it, and I think he would if any had been
+received."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What sort of a boy is this Mark Manning?"
+asked Taylor abruptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think much of him," answered James.
+"He is poor and proud. He is only a pegger in
+our shop, but he puts on airs with the best."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he is honest?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The two boys looked surprised; that question
+had never occurred to them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What makes you ask?" inquired James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only that he has in his possession a sum of
+money belonging to my uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he tell you so? did you see it?" were the
+questions quickly asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I met him at my uncle's cabin. My uncle
+owed me a small sum, and instead of paying me
+himself, he asked this boy to pay me. The boy
+took the money from his pocket, and handed it
+to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Both boys were surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't know he had anything to do with the
+hermit," said Tom. "Did you, James?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; but then I don't trouble myself about
+Mark Manning's affairs."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor regarded James shrewdly, he
+had no difficulty in detecting the boy's dislike towards
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Excuse my troubling you with questions,
+young gentlemen," he said. "My uncle is a
+simple-minded old man, and it would be easy to
+rob him, though I fancy he hasn't much money.
+This boy Mark appeared to me an artful young
+rogue, who might very probably cheat him out of
+the small sum he has."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never saw the two together," said Tom,
+musingly. "Old Anthony has generally paid his
+bills himself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is sick just now, and perhaps that accounts
+for it. The boy Mark has been making
+purchases for him in the village. However, I
+must leave the place, as important business calls
+me elsewhere. Since you," addressing Tom,
+"are the postmaster's son, may I ask a favor of
+you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If my uncle should die, can I trouble you to
+send me a note informing me, as I should feel
+called upon, as his only relative, to see that he
+was properly buried."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I will write you, if you will leave
+me your address."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor gave Tom the same address he
+had already given Mark. He then bade the boys
+good-bye, and walked on.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Uncle Anthony <i>may</i> have some money," he
+soliloquized, "and if he dies, I shall see if I can
+find it. I am pretty sure to hear through one of
+the boys."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch06' class='c007'>CHAPTER VI. <br /> A TRAGEDY IN THE PASTURE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>On</span> their way home the two boys had occasion
+to cross a pasture belonging to Deacon Miller, an
+old farmer whose house and barn were about a
+furlong distant on a rising ground.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They sauntered along in single file. James
+had a careless way of carrying his gun, which
+made some of the boys unwilling to accompany
+him, unless it was unloaded. Tom had two or
+three times cautioned him on this very afternoon,
+but James did not receive his remonstrance in
+good part.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't trouble yourself so much about my gun,
+Tom Wyman," he said. "I guess I know how
+to carry my gun as well as you do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't doubt that in the least, James, but
+you must admit that you handle it rather carelessly.
+Some of the boys don't like to go hunting
+with you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then they are cowards. I never shot any
+boy yet," answered James, with some heat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, but you might."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are making a great deal of fuss about
+nothing. I didn't think you were so timid."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know that I am particularly timid,
+but I shouldn't like to be riddled with shot," returned
+Tom, good-humoredly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you'd better get your life insured when
+you go out with me next," sneered James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know but I shall," said Tom, declining
+to take offense.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>For a very brief period James carried his gun
+more carefully. Then he forgot his caution, and
+in transferring his gun from one shoulder to the
+other somehow he touched the hammer, and the
+gun was discharged.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was most unfortunate, but when the gun
+went off it was pointed directly at a white-faced
+cow belonging to Deacon Miller.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The small shot penetrated both the poor animal's
+eyes, and with a moan of anguish the cow
+sank to the ground.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Both boys stared in dismay at the victim of
+carelessness.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There, you've gone and done it now, James,"
+said Tom. "You've shot Deacon Miller's cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see how I happened to do it," stammered
+James, really frightened.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I told you not to carry your gun so carelessly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You told me! Of course you want to get
+me into trouble about this!" exclaimed James,
+irritably.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then," said James, quickly, "don't say a
+word about it. We'll get home as soon as we can,
+and won't know anything about it. Mum's the
+word!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course I'll be mum, but it will be known
+that we have been out with guns this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So has Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James looked significantly at Tom, and Tom
+understood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Poor Mark was to bear the blame for a deed he
+didn't do, and all to screen James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's mean!" Tom said to himself, "but I
+can't go back on James. I want to keep in with
+him, and I suppose I must consent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" demanded James, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It won't come out through me," answered
+Tom, but not with alacrity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And if Mark is accused you won't say anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"N-o!" said Tom, slowly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then let us put for home!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James suited the action to the word, and the
+two boys hurried across the pasture, never venturing
+to look back at the suffering animal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Fifteen minutes later, when James and Tom
+were already at home, Mark Manning entered
+the narrow foot-path that led across the pasture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was immersed in thought, the hermit and
+his strange experience at the cabin being the subject
+of his reflections, when he heard a pitiful
+moaning, not far from him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Looking up he observed that it proceeded from
+old Whitey, as the deacon was accustomed to call
+his favorite cow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's the matter with you, old Whitey?"
+said Mark, who was always moved by distress,
+whether in man or beast.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Coming nearer, he was not long left in doubt.
+The nature of the injury which the poor cow had
+received was evident to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor old Whitey!" he said, pitifully. "Who
+has shot you in this cruel manner?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The sole answer was a moan of anguish from
+the stricken animal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid she will have to be killed!"
+thought Mark, sadly. "It is only torture for
+her to live with this injury, and of course there
+is no cure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was still standing beside the cow, gun in
+hand, when a harsh voice became audible.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Looking up, he saw the deacon but four rods
+distant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Deacon Miller was an old man, of giant form,
+and harsh, irregular features. He was a very
+unpopular man in the neighborhood, and deservedly
+so. He had made home so disagreeable
+that his only son had gone away fifteen years
+before, and the deacon had never heard from him
+since.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you been doin' to my cow?" he
+demanded, in a still harsher tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing, Deacon Miller," answered Mark,
+calmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't mean to tell me the critter's makin'
+all this fuss for nothin', do you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; the poor animal has been shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has been what?" snarled the deacon.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shot! Shot in the face, and I am afraid its
+eyes are put out," replied Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Whitey shot in the eye," repeated the
+deacon, in a fury. "Then it's you that did
+it."</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p042.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?" said the deacon, coming up to him.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are mistaken, sir," said Mark, with dignity.
+"I have just come up, and this is the condition
+in which I found Whitey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's that you are carryin' in your hand?"
+demanded the deacon, sternly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My gun."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you are willin' to tell the truth. I
+didn't know but you'd say it was a hoe," exploded
+the deacon in angry irony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your cow has received no injury from my
+gun, if that's what you're hinting at, Deacon
+Miller."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me take the gun!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In some surprise Mark put it into his hands.
+The deacon raised it, and pulled the trigger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>No report was heard. The gun was not loaded.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just what I thought," said the deacon, triumphantly.
+"If it had been loaded, I might
+have thought you told me the truth. Now I know
+as well as I want to that you shot my cow in the
+face with it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I assure you, Deacon Miller," said Mark, earnestly,
+beginning to comprehend the extent to
+which he was implicated, although innocent. "I
+assure you, Deacon Miller, that I have had nothing
+to do with harming poor Whitey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Anyway, I shall hold you responsible, and I
+reckon you'll have hard work to prove yourself
+innocent," said the deacon, grimly. "I ain't going
+to lose a forty-five dollar cow, and say nothin'
+about it. You jest tell your mother when
+you go home to see about raisin' forty-five dollars
+to make up old Whitey's loss. As she's a poor
+widder I'll give her thirty days to do it in. Do
+you hear?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Deacon Miller, I hear, but I repeat that
+I didn't harm your cow, and I shan't pay you a
+cent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We'll see!" was the only answer the deacon
+gave, nodding his head with emphasis.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Poor Mark! he had never felt so miserable, as
+he plodded slowly home. He was innocent, but
+circumstances were against him, and the deacon
+was implacable.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch07' class='c007'>CHAPTER VII. <br /> MARK AT HOME.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> home was a small cottage of a story
+and a half, surmounted by a sloping roof. It was
+plainly furnished, but looked comfortable. His
+mother was a pleasant looking woman of middle
+age, who managed well their scanty income, consisting
+chiefly of Mark's earnings.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you not later than usual, Mark?" she
+inquired.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, mother; I went out gunning, and did
+an errand for old Anthony, who is laid up with
+the rheumatism in his cabin."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor man! I hope he won't suffer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thanks to me, he probably will not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can you do for him, Mark? You have
+no money to spare."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Haven't I, mother?" asked Mark, with a
+smile, as he drew from his pocket a large handful
+of silver and gold.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you say to that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, Mark! I hope you came honestly by
+that money," said the widow, nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I haven't been robbing a bank, if that's what
+you mean, mother. I couldn't very well, as there
+is none within ten miles."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then, Mark, where did the money come
+from?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It belongs to old Anthony. He asked me to
+take charge of it, as I shall need to be buying
+things for him in the village for a few days to
+come."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For mercy's sake, be careful of it, Mark, as,
+if you lost it, we couldn't make up the loss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll look after that. In fact, I think it will
+be safer with me than with the owner. If
+any dishonest person should enter his cabin, he
+could not help being robbed in his present condition."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That would be very unfortunate, as the old
+man is probably very poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was about to undeceive his mother, but,
+reflecting that Lyman Taylor might still be in the
+village, he thought it not prudent to betray the
+hermit's secret.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard a report to-day, Mark," said his
+mother, as she was setting the supper table, "that
+the shoe-shop was to be closed for a month."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope not," said Mark, startled. "That
+would be serious for us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And for others too, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. It isn't as if there were other employments
+open, but there is absolutely nothing, unless
+I could get a chance to do some farm work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps Deacon Miller may need a boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's about the last man I would work for.
+He wouldn't pay me a cent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why not, Mark? He wouldn't expect you
+to work for nothing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He claims that I owe him forty-five dollars,
+and would expect me to work it out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean, Mark? How can you
+owe the deacon forty-five dollars?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't, but he claims I do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark then told his mother the story of the cow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Deacon Miller expects me to pay for it," he
+concluded, "but I think he'll have to take it out
+in expecting."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, Mark, I am afraid this will lead to serious
+trouble," said Mrs. Manning, looking distressed.
+"He may go to law about it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can't make me pay for the damage somebody
+else did, mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But if he makes out that you shot the
+cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't trouble about it. It might spoil my
+appetite for supper. I've got a healthy appetite
+to-night, mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your story has taken away mine, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't worry, mother; it will all come right."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid worrying comes natural to me,
+Mark. I've seen more trouble than you have,
+my son."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Forget it all till supper is over, mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Supper was scarcely over when a knock was
+heard at the door, and John Downie entered.
+He was a boy of Scotch descent, and lived near
+by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How are you, Johnny," said Mark, "won't
+you have some supper?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mark, I've had some. Have you
+heard about Deacon Miller's cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What about her?" asked Mark, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You know old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Her eyes are put out by an accidental discharge
+of a gun, and I guess she will have to be
+killed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know who shot her?" asked Mark,
+with intense interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do, but the deacon doesn't," answered
+John.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who was it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James Collins. He and Tom Wyman were
+coming through the pasture, when James, in
+handling his gun awkwardly, managed to discharge
+it full in poor Whitey's face."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How do you know it was James?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because I saw it. I was in the next field and
+saw it all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did the boys see you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; they hurried away as fast as they could
+go."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Johnny, you're a trump!" exclaimed Mark,
+rising and shaking the boy's hand vigorously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why am I a trump?" asked Johnny, astonished.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because your testimony will clear me. The
+deacon charges me with shooting the cow, and
+wants me to pay forty-five dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Gosh!" exclaimed Johnny. "But what
+makes him think you shot old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark briefly explained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But," said Mrs. Manning, "surely James
+Collins would not permit you to suffer for his
+fault?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't know James, mother. That's just
+what he would do, I feel sure. What do you say,
+Johnny?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Jim Collins is just mean enough to do it,"
+answered John.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can't do it now, however. Mr. Collins is
+abundantly able to pay for the cow, and I guess
+he'll have to."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know how we could ever have paid so
+large a sum," said the widow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We shan't have to, mother, that's one comfort."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's the deacon coming!" exclaimed
+Johnny, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he is! Johnny, just run into the kitchen,
+and I'll call you when you're wanted. We'll have
+some fun. Mother, don't say a word till we hear
+what the deacon has to say."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>By this time the deacon had knocked. Mrs.
+Manning admitted him, and he entered with a
+preliminary cough.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are your family well, deacon?" asked the
+mother.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They're middlin', widder, which is a comfort.
+Families are often a source of trouble," and here
+the deacon glanced sharply at Mark, who, rather
+to his surprise, looked cool and composed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That may be, Deacon Miller, but I am thankful
+that Mark never gives me any trouble."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be too sure of that, ma'am," said the
+deacon, grimly. "It's about that very thing I've
+come here now. Your son has shot my most
+valuable cow, old Whitey, and I regret to say,
+widder, that he'll have to make it good for me.
+Forty-five dollars is what the critter is worth,
+and I wouldn't have taken that for her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you sure Mark shot your cow?" asked
+Mrs. Manning.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As sure as I need to be. I caught him standin'
+by the cow with his gun in his hand. The
+barrel was empty, for I tried it to see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you to say to this charge, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That Deacon Miller is mistaken. I did not
+shoot his cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I reckon you'll have to pay for it all the same.
+Mark Manning. I don't want to be hard on a
+poor widder, but it stands to reason that I should
+be paid for my cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I agree to that," said Mark, "but I'm not
+the one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mebbe the cow shot herself!" said the deacon,
+sarcastically. "It may be nat'ral for cows
+to commit suicide, but I never saw one do it as
+far as I can remember. Young man, your story
+is too thin."</p>
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch08' class='c007'>CHAPTER VIII. <br /> DEACON MILLER GETS A CLUE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> was forced to smile at the idea of old
+Whitey committing suicide. The deacon observed
+his smile, and it provoked him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you mean to say, Mark Manning, that
+you think the critter shot herself in the face?"
+he demanded, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, Deacon Miller, I have no such idea."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's the same as admittin' that you shot
+her," said the deacon, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, it isn't, deacon. I didn't shoot her, but I
+have no doubt some one else did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It may have been the cat," remarked the deacon,
+with a return to sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was probably a two-legged cat," said
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Jest my idee!" remarked the deacon, quickly,
+"An' that brings it home to you. You was
+out with a gun, an' I caught you standin' beside
+the cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As to catching me," returned Mark, "there
+was no catching about it. I was crossing the
+pasture, and was attracted by the poor animal's
+moans. That is the way I happened to be near
+when you came up."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That all sounds very smooth," said the deacon,
+impatiently, "but if you didn't shoot the
+cow, who did?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think that question can be answered, Deacon
+Miller; John Downie!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>To the deacon's surprise, John came into the
+room at this summons.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Johnny," said Mark, "will you tell the deacon
+who shot his cow!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't like to tell," objected John; "it wasn't
+done on purpose."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you do it?" queried the deacon, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, <i>sir</i>. I never fired a gun in my life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who did it, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Must I tell, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Johnny; Deacon Miller has a right to
+know; even if it was not done on purpose, the
+one who did it ought to make good the loss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's where you speak sense, Mark," said
+the deacon, approvingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it was Jim Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James Collins—the squire's son!" repeated
+the deacon, astonished.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John proceeded to tell the story once more.
+The deacon, it is needless to say, listened very
+attentively.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So the boys run away, did they?" he inquired,
+grimly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I s'pose you'd have run away, too, if you
+had done it, hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps I might," answered John, ingenuously.
+"I s'pose they were scared."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll scare 'em," growled the deacon. "Squire
+Collins is able to make up the loss to me, and I
+mean he shall." Then, with a momentary suspicion,
+"This ain't a story you an' Mark have
+got up between you, to get him off, is it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will answer that, Deacon Miller," said Mark
+firmly. "If I had shot your cow, I wouldn't
+have run away, but I'd have gone right to you
+and told you about it, and I'd have paid you just
+as soon as I could."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's right, that's right," said the deacon,
+approvingly, beginning to regard Mark with
+more favor. "Well, I must go and see the squire.
+Here, you John Downie, come along with me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've got to go home," said John.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I can't prove it without you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You can tell the squire that I saw it done,
+and am ready to swear to it, if he wants me to."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mebbe that'll do if I send for you, you'll
+come, hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The deacon did not feel disposed to postpone
+what he regarded as important business, and he
+left the cottage, taking the shortest direction to
+the squire's more imposing dwelling. We will
+precede him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James Collins and his friend, as already described,
+ran away as fast as their legs could carry
+them, when they ascertained what damage had
+been done.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>No one, so far as they knew, had seen them,
+and they hoped to escape, scot free.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom accompanied James home, and stayed to
+supper. After supper the boys went out, and
+had a conference together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James felt a little nervous, though he believed
+that he was safe from incurring suspicion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if the deacon has found old Whitey
+yet?" said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess so," answered Tom. "He usually
+goes after the cows before this."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder how he'll think it happened?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Maybe he'll lay it to Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was not very much disturbed at this
+supposition.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That would be a good joke!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not for Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark can take care of himself. He was out
+with a gun as well as we."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"His mother couldn't afford to pay for the
+cow," said Tom, who was rather more considerate
+than his companion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's none of my business. And, Tom,
+there's something I want to say to you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Go ahead!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If Mark is accused, don't you go to saying it's
+a mistake. Remember it's none of your business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom looked uncomfortable, having some conscience.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It would be rough on a poor woman like Mrs.
+Manning having to pay for the deacon's cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're mighty considerate, Tom. You might
+consider me a little. If it were known that I
+shot the cow, father would make me pay at least
+half the bill out of my money in the savings' bank.
+I thought you were my friend!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I am."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you won't betray me. As for Mark, the
+deacon can't prove it against him, so he won't
+have to pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then the deacon will lose his cow, and get no
+pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can afford it. He's a stingy old lunks,
+anyway."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's true enough."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And it won't ruin him if he does lose the cow.
+He's able to buy another."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It struck Tom, though he was not over conscientious,
+that this was not exactly the way to
+regard the matter, but he did not like to offend
+James, and he had ventured to oppose him more
+than usual already. So he remained silent.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was not quite satisfied with his friend.
+He was not altogether sure of his fidelity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've got only one thing to say, Tom," he
+added. "If you go back on me, and breathe a
+word of what happened in the pasture, I'll never
+speak to you again as long as I live."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's going back on you? did I say I was?"
+demanded Tom rather irritably.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, then; I only wanted to have the
+thing understood between us, I didn't really think
+you would be mean enough to tell."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>So a satisfactory understanding was established
+between the two boys, and it looked as if Mark
+was likely to be the victim of their alliance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But just when James was beginning to feel
+secure, he was startled by an apparition just
+looming in sight on the highway. It was not a
+formidable figure—that of Deacon Miller—but
+under the circumstances James turned pale and
+his heart began to beat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tom," he gasped; "isn't that Deacon Miller
+coming up the road?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's the deacon sure enough!" answered Tom,
+looking disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he's coming here?" queried
+James nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Looks like it?" muttered Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he can have——heard anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he heard that we were out with
+guns?" suggested Tom. "He may have come
+to make inquiries."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just so, now, Tom, be careful not to look as
+if there was anything the matter. We'll be extra
+polite to the old fellow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He may not be coming here after all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But he was! arrived at the gate Deacon Miller
+paused, and opening it entered the front yard.
+He looked sharply at the two boys who were
+standing on the lawn.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch09' class='c007'>CHAPTER IX. <br /> THE DEACON'S MISSION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Ordinarily</span> James would not have considered
+Deacon Miller worth any polite attention, but
+the knowledge of what had happened in the pasture
+had its effect upon him. He thought it
+necessary by a little attention to disarm the deacon's
+suspicions if he had any.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good evening, Deacon Miller," he said politely.
+"Did you wish to see father?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wal," said the deacon deliberately. "I have
+a little business with him. Is he at home?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am pretty sure he is," answered James.
+"Come in with me, and I'll see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The deacon smiled—an inscrutable smile—and
+followed James, who opened the front door and
+led him into the parlor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're very obligin'," he said. "I had no
+idea you was so polite."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is the duty of a gentleman to be polite!"
+said James loftily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So 'tis, so 'tis!" returned the old man chuckling
+in an unaccountable manner. "I'm glad
+you think so. It's a great thing to be a boy, I
+had lots of fun when I was a boy. So do you,
+hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh yes," answered James indifferently. "But
+not as much as I could have in the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But you couldn't go huntin' and fishin' in the
+city," said the deacon slyly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James' heart gave a bound. What did the disagreeable
+old man mean? was it possible that he
+suspected?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care much for either," he said. "But
+I'll go and call father."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Presently the squire appeared and invited Deacon
+Miller into the back room, which was used
+as the family dining and sitting-room.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Glad to see, you, deacon," said Mr. Collins,
+who, having political aspirations, thought it worth
+while to be polite to his neighbors.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I ain't so sure of that, squire, when you know
+what I come about," returned the deacon with a
+crafty smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No bad news, I hope, deacon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wal, it ain't good news. You know my cow,
+old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" interrogated the squire, looking puzzled.
+He had heard nothing as yet of the accident
+in the pasture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She was shot in the face this afternoon—her
+eyes totally destroyed. I shall have to kill her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a pity! I sympathize with you, deacon.
+It must be a great disappointment to you. She
+was a good milker, wasn't she?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fust-rate! I never had a cow that could beat
+her. She was worth fifty dollars easy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very likely," said the squire, innocently, quite
+unaware of the trap which the wily deacon was
+preparing for him. It will be observed that the
+deacon, finding he had a case against a rich man,
+had concluded to raise the value of the cow by
+five dollars. "Fifty dollars is a considerable loss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So 'tis, but I haven't got to lose it. The one
+that shot old Whitey is responsible."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who did shoot her?" asked Squire Collins.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your boy, James," answered the deacon,
+slowly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was very disagreeably surprised.
+He was not a man who liked to part with money,
+and he saw how he had been trapped.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you see James shoot the cow?" he demanded
+sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"N—o; I can't say I did," replied the deacon,
+cautiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't believe he did it then. Did he admit
+it to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"N—o. I didn't ask him about it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then, Deacon Miller, permit me to say that
+you have no case against him, and I am not responsible
+for your unfortunate loss.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Somebody else saw it!" remarked the deacon
+triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who was it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie! Pooh, he is a mere boy," said
+the squire, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's got as many eyes as you or I, squire,"
+said the deacon, shrewdly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was unquestionably true, and the squire
+felt that he had made a foolish objection.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie may not tell the truth," he said,
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm willin' it should come before the court,"
+said the deacon. "Wouldn't it be jest as well
+to ask your boy about it; he's out in the yard."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was still in the yard. He had half a
+mind to go away, but was anxious about the deacon's
+errand. When he heard his father's voice
+calling him he turned pale.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wait for me, Tom," he said. "If you're
+asked, don't say I did it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom looked disturbed and uneasy, and did not
+reply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James entered his father's presence with a
+perturbed spirit. He stole a glance at the deacon,
+who sat with his wizened face calm and imperturbable.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you want me, father?" asked James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James," said his father, abruptly, "Deacon
+Miller tells me that some one has shot his cow,
+old Whitey, this afternoon, and injured her so
+seriously that she will have to be killed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am sorry to hear it," said James, nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know who did it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How should I?" asked James, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wer'n't you out in the pastur' this afternoon?"
+asked the deacon, pointedly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered James, "Tom Wyman and I
+crossed the pasture."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With guns on your shoulders?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ye—es," admitted James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you see anything of old Whitey?" continued
+the deacon, persevering in his pointed
+interrogations.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There were some cows there I remember; I
+suppose old Whitey was among them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did your gun go off while you were in the
+pasture?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ye—es, I believe it did. It went off accidentally."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And hit old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that. It may not have
+hit anything."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you don't know that you hit my cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wasn't the only boy in the pasture this afternoon,"
+said James, evasively.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know all about that. Tom Wyman was
+with you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, and so was Mark Manning. He was out
+gunning most all the afternoon. Have you asked
+him whether he hit the cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the deacon; "he says he
+didn't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course he would say so," sneered James,
+more confidently. "He's just as likely to have
+done it as I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's what I thought myself," returned the
+deacon; "though Mark's a middlin' keerful boy.
+But I changed my mind."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because he denied it?" asked James, with a
+return of the sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not exactly. There was a boy saw it done,
+and he told me who did it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What boy saw it done?" asked James, all
+his apprehensions reviving.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was startling news to James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And who does he say did it," he forced himself
+to ask.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You!" answered Deacon Miller, laconically.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't believe I did it," said James, wavering.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says after you shot the cow, you and Tom
+Wyman ran away as fast as your legs could carry
+you," added the deacon, chuckling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James turned as red as scarlet, but said nothing.
+It was clear enough that he was guilty, and
+knew it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Deacon Miller," said Squire Collins, "I will
+look into this matter, and if I find James shot
+your cow, we will make some arrangement about
+payment. Understand clearly, however, that I
+won't pay any fancy price, such as fifty dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't argy the matter now, squire," said
+the deacon. "Good-evenin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James," said his father, "I won't scold you
+for a piece of carelessness, but whatever compensation
+is paid to the deacon must come from your
+account in the savings' bank."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was a sad blow to James, he had a hundred
+and fifty dollars in the bank, and this would
+make a heavy draft upon it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He went out into the yard without a word.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's all up, Tom," he said. "John Downie
+has been telling tales about me. The first time
+I see him I'll give him a licking."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And serve him right, too, little tell-tale!"
+said Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny did not expect what was in store for
+him, but he was soon to be enlightened.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch10' class='c007'>CHAPTER X. <br /> MARK PROTECTS A FRIEND.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Squire Collins</span> succeeded in reducing the deacon's
+claim to thirty-eight dollars, and this sum
+James was obliged to withdraw from his savings
+in the bank. He thought it was very hard, as
+the shooting was merely an accident. He was
+fond of money, scarcely less so than Deacon Miller
+himself, and it went to his heart to find himself
+so much poorer than before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It isn't as if I got any fun out of it," he complained
+to Tom. "It's just money thrown away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is a heavy sum to pay for a trifling carelessness,"
+admitted Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I shouldn't have had a cent to pay but
+for John Downie. Why need the boy turn tell-tale?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mean? I should say so. I mean to come up
+with the fellow. I mean to give him the worst
+licking he ever had."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Even if Tom disapproved of the intention, he
+at any rate did not express any disapproval, but
+left it to be understood that he considered it perfectly
+proper.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Three days later the opportunity came. Tom
+and James were crossing the pasture, which had
+been the scene of the tragedy, when John, whistling
+gayly, met them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now's my chance," said James, triumphantly.
+"There's the sneak that told of me. See how
+I'll serve him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John Downie, seeing the boys approaching,
+nodded his head, saying in a friendly manner,
+"hello!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, it's you, is it?" said James, in a hostile
+tone, stopping short.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it's me. Who did you think it was?"
+returned John, laughing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've been wanting to meet you, John Downie."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What for?" asked John. He could not help
+seeing now that the speaker spoke like an enemy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To tell you that you are a sneak and a tell-tale."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean by that?" demanded John,
+beginning himself to be angry.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You ought to know without asking. Wasn't
+it you that told about my shooting old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you did shoot her, didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose I did. You needn't have blurted it
+out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The deacon charged Mark Manning with it.
+I wasn't going to see him suffer for it when I
+saw you do it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're a great friend of Mark Manning, it
+seems," said James, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I am; but, even if I hadn't been, I would
+have told. His mother is poor, and couldn't afford
+to pay for the cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She'll be poorer yet before long, I'm thinking,"
+said James. "Do you know what I'm going
+to do to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps you'll tell me," said John Downie,
+calmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm going to give you a licking."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I'll let you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James laughed derisively; Johnny was two
+inches shorter than he, and so far as appearances
+went was not as strong. In a contest between
+the two, there was little doubt that James would
+come out the victor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think you'll have much to say in the
+matter," said James. "Just move out of the
+way, Tom, and give me a chance at him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom did as requested, and James rushed at
+John with an impetuosity born of anger. John
+prepared to defend himself. The boys were soon
+grappling, trying to trip each other up. Neither
+knew much of the science of fighting, and victory
+naturally came to the stronger. In about two
+minutes John was on his back, with James kneeling
+over him, aiming blows at his face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I told you I'd give you a licking," said James,
+closing his teeth, firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, let him off, James," said Tom. "This
+ought to satisfy you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But it doesn't. I'm going to give him a lesson
+he'll remember all his life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James undertook to belabor his fallen opponent,
+but he had been so preoccupied that he did not
+notice a boy running towards the scene of conflict,
+neither did Tom, who had his back turned.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Luckily for John, Mark Manning was on his
+way to call upon the hermit, when he became an
+indignant witness of James's brutality. He said
+nothing, but fairly flew across the pasture till he
+reached the battle-field. The first intimation
+James had of his presence was a vigorous grasp
+of his coat collar, and in an instant he was lying
+on his back close to his late victim, with Mark
+standing over him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm ashamed of you, James Collins," he said,
+sternly. "You're a contemptible coward to attack
+a smaller boy like Johnny."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Knock him over, Tom," shrieked James,
+furiously. "I'll give him a licking, too."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It doesn't look much like it," said Mark, with
+his knee on James's breast.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Help, Tom!" called James, struggling once
+more.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom felt obliged to take an active part in the
+fight, though it was by no means to his taste.
+He seized Mark by the shoulders, and tried to
+drag him away from his prostrate friend, but by
+this time John Downie was on his feet, and ran
+forward, giving Tom a push which sent him headlong
+on the other side of James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me up, you low ruffian!" screamed
+James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you promise to behave yourself, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will promise nothing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you can stay here a little longer. What
+made you attack Johnny?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's none of your business. I'll lick him as
+often as I please."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not while I am around. Johnny, what made
+him attack you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He said I was a tell-tale, because I told of
+his shooting the cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And so you are! Let me up, Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you promise?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I won't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let him up, Mark," said Johnny. "He won't
+dare to attack me while you are here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I think not. Get up then, James, and
+take care how you pitch into Johnny again.
+Just as sure as you do, you'll have to settle accounts
+with me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Released from the pressure that held him down,
+James rose, angry and humiliated. He would
+sooner have been worsted by any one than Mark,
+whom, for some reason not easy to divine, he
+especially hated.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You took me at advantage," he said, sullenly,
+"or you couldn't have thrown me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you want to try it again?" asked Mark,
+quietly. "Now we stand face to face, and you
+have as fair a chance as I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care to demean myself by fighting with
+such a low working boy as you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I commend your prudence, James," said Mark,
+undisturbed by this taunt. "As for being a
+working boy, I am not ashamed of that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're only a common pegger."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very true, I hope to rise higher some
+time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't work much longer in my father's
+shop. I'll have you discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you please. I think I can earn a living
+in some other way. Come, Johnny, if James
+has no further business with you, we may as well
+go along."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James, appearing to have no wish to resume
+hostilities, Mark and Johnny walked away.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't hear the last of this very soon,"
+said James, as a farewell shot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he'll get his father to discharge
+you, Mark?" asked Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think very likely."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am very sorry you have got into trouble on
+my account."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't worry, Johnny. I did right, and am
+ready to take the consequences."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch11' class='c007'>CHAPTER XI. <br /> MARK IS DISCHARGED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>The</span> next day Mark, with some misgivings, repaired
+to the shoe manufactory as usual. He
+knew he had done a bold thing in defending
+Johnny against his employer's son, but he never
+thought of regretting it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would do it again," he said to himself.
+"Catch me standing by and seeing Johnny
+whipped by any boy, no matter who he is."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark laid aside his hat and coat, and went to
+his customary bench.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had been at work fifteen minutes only,
+when Mr. Waite, the head of the room, entered,
+and went up to where he was standing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Collins wants to see you, Mark," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know what for, Mr. Waite?" Mark
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, Mark, but I hope it is to raise your wages,"
+said Mr. Waite, pleasantly, for he had always
+liked our hero.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid it is something quite different,"
+said Mark, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No trouble, I hope, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can tell you better when I return."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark put on his coat, and went downstairs to
+the office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was seated at a desk, with his
+spectacles astride his nose. He looked up as Mark
+entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Waite tells me you wish to see me, Mr.
+Collins," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," said the squire, frowning. "I presume
+you can guess what I want to see you about."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps so," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I understand that you made a violent attack
+upon my son James in the pasture, yesterday
+afternoon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We did have a little difficulty," Mark admitted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ha! I am glad you confess it. James says
+you made an unprovoked attack upon him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is not quite true, Squire Collins; I was
+very much provoked."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did my son attack you first?" demanded the
+squire, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I thought. Then you have no excuse by
+your own confession."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I have an excuse."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I fail to understand what it can be. To me
+it appears like a high-handed outrage of which you
+were guilty."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose James did not tell you what he
+was doing when I attacked him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I cannot remember that he did. What
+does that signify?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He had John Downie upon the ground, and
+was beating him brutally."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was somewhat nonplussed at this
+revelation, as James had said nothing about
+Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I ran up, and pulled him off, and prevented
+him from hurting Johnny."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was rather embarrassed. He
+saw clearly that his son had been in the wrong,
+yet he was inclined to stand by him. Moreover,
+it chafed him that a poor boy should have presumed
+to interfere with his son, much more use
+violence towards him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He drew out his handkerchief and blew his
+nose, partly to gain time for consideration. At
+length he spoke.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My son feels very indignant at your presumption
+in assaulting him," he said, "and I wonder
+myself that you didn't see the impropriety of attacking
+the son of your employer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you have had me stand by and see
+Johnny beaten?" asked Mark, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I do not feel disposed to argue with you,"
+said the squire, in a dignified tone. "I feel compelled
+to take some action in the matter though
+I regret it. I cannot, of course, retain you in
+my employ. You are discharged. I have made
+up your account to date, and here is the sum due
+you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well, sir," answered Mark, quietly,
+though his heart sank within him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins handed him a dollar and thirty-seven
+cents, and Mark, putting them into his
+pocket, bowed and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He went back to the room where his hat hung,
+and taking it down, said to his fellow-workmen:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good-bye, boys, I shan't be with you any
+longer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why, Mark, what's the matter!" asked his
+next neighbor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm discharged; that's all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What for?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll tell you some other time—not now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark, I'm really sorry for this," said Mr.
+Waite, pressing his hand warmly. "I wish you
+good luck!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mr. Waite," answered Mark, his
+lip quivering a little. "I will hope for the
+best."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark walked home with a slow step. He dreaded
+to tell his mother of his discharge, for he knew
+that she would be still more depressed than himself.
+Youth is hopeful, but middle age is less
+sanguine.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't go home at once," thought Mark.
+"I will go to the wood and see the hermit. He
+may have some errand for me, and besides, he
+may be able to give me some advice."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>One object which Mark had, however, was to
+delay breaking the unwelcome news to his
+mother.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He bent his steps towards the pasture, which
+he must cross in order to penetrate to the wood
+by the usual path.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In a few minutes he entered the cabin, the
+door of which he found open.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit was no longer reclining, but was
+seated in a rocking-chair—the only article of
+luxury which the poor dwelling contained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, sir!" said Mark. "I hope you
+are better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am much better. But how does it happen
+that you come here in the morning? I supposed
+you were at work in the shoe factory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have lost my place there; I was discharged
+this morning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ha! how is that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Upon this Mark told the story of his encounter
+with the boys in the pasture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose," he concluded, "that James got
+me discharged in revenge for my interfering with
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you regret what you did?" inquired
+the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't," answered Mark, warmly. "I
+couldn't stand by and see Johnny beaten."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right, and I respect you for what
+you did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is a grievous thing for me, though," said
+Mark. "It takes away my income, and I don't
+see how mother and I are going to live."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much were you paid?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About three dollars and a half a week. Sometimes
+I made a little more by over-work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You have no occasion to be disturbed. I was
+about to propose that you should leave your
+place."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark looked surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will take you into my own employ," added
+Anthony. "How long have you been coming to
+me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A week, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may retain five dollars in compensation
+from the money you hold of mine, and hereafter,
+as you will give me your whole time, you shall
+be paid at the rate of a dollar a day—that is, seven
+dollars a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But, sir, you are overpaying me," protested
+Mark, who thought this compensation magnificent.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Be it so. I can afford it. Let me know
+when you need more money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have still about fifteen dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"After paying yourself for the last week?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. Can I do anything for you now?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. I feel like taking a walk. That shows
+I am better. You may come with me, and if I
+tire myself, I will lean upon your arm in returning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With pleasure, sir. I am very glad that you
+feel better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"After all," mused the old man, "it is pleasant
+to have human sympathy. I thought I was
+able to do without it, but I am more dependent
+than I supposed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They walked for half an hour. When they returned
+to the cabin, the hermit said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To-morrow morning I expect a visitor from
+the city. I wish you to meet him at the train,
+and conduct him here. He is a small man, with
+a sharp look, and will probably be dressed in
+black. In fact, he is my man of business. You
+need say nothing of this, however, but let people
+conjecture as they will."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And shall I speak of my arrangement with
+you, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may merely say that I have engaged you
+to do my errands. I shall not require you again
+to-day."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch12' class='c007'>CHAPTER XII. <br /> GOOD LUCK AFTER MISFORTUNE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> spirits were wonderfully improved
+when he left the hermit's cabin, and took his
+way homeward. So far from being injuriously
+affected by his discharge from the shoe-shop,
+his income was considerably increased. Not only
+this, but he had received five dollars for his past
+week's services over and above what he had been
+paid for his work in the shop.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now," thought he. "I can tell mother without
+minding it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But his mother had already heard of it. A
+neighbor, Mrs. Parker, who rather enjoyed telling
+bad news, had heard of it through her son,
+who also worked in the work-shop.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She at once left her work, and hurried over to
+Mrs. Manning's.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," said the widow,
+cheerfully. "Take a chair, do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mrs. Manning, I can't stop a
+minute. I left my kitchen at sixes and sevens,
+on purpose to condole with you. I declare, it's
+really too bad."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is too bad? I don't understand you?"
+said Mrs. Manning, perplexed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About your son Mark, I mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What has happened to him? Is he hurt?"
+asked the widow, with a pale face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, no; hasn't he been home?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is at the shoe-shop, of course."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, he is not. He was discharged by Squire
+Collins this morning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Discharged? What for?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you know? Some quarrel between
+Mark and James Collins, I believe."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad he is not hurt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But hasn't he been home? I wonder at that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have seen nothing of him since he started
+for the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's strange."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor boy! I suppose he doesn't like to tell
+me he is discharged," sighed the widow. "It
+will be a serious thing for us, for I don't know
+where else he will find work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"O, something will turn up," said Mrs. Parker,
+who could bear the misfortunes of her neighbors
+very cheerfully. "But I must run home, or my
+dinner will be late."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The more Mrs. Manning thought of Mark's
+loss of employment, the more troubled she felt.
+Three dollars and a half a week was not a large
+sum, but it was more than half their income, and
+how they were to make it up she could not conjecture.
+Perhaps she could induce Mark to apologize
+to James, in which case the squire might be
+induced to take him back. While her mind was
+busy with such thoughts, Mark entered the house
+whistling. His mother was considerably surprised
+at this evidence of light-heartedness under
+the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He entered the room where his mother was at
+work.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, mother, is dinner almost ready?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be ready soon. But oh, Mark, what
+is this I hear about your being discharged from
+the shoe-shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is all true, mother, but you needn't worry
+over it. We shall get along just as well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see how. There is no other shop in
+the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have another job already, and a better one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning opened her eyes in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can it be?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony has hired me to do his errands."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid, Mark, that will amount to very
+little."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am to receive five dollars a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you really mean this? I thought he was
+very poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite the contrary, mother, but we mustn't
+say that to others. Let people think he is poor.
+Here are five dollars which he has paid me for
+the last week, though I have worked in the shop,
+and done very little for it. Take it, mother, and
+use as you need it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will this last, Mark?" asked his mother,
+almost incredulously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it will. The hermit seems to have
+taken a special fancy to me, and he says he can
+well afford to pay me this sum. I say, mother,
+suppose I invite him to take dinner with us next
+Sunday?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With all my heart, Mark. He seems to me
+like a good Providence who has come to our help
+at this juncture."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you need anything at the store this afternoon?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The butter and sugar are out, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give me the five-dollar bill, then, mother,
+and I will buy some."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Shortly after dinner Mark started for the store.
+On the way he met several persons who condoled
+with him on his loss of place. They were surprised
+to find that Mark looked cheerful, and even
+gay.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said, "I've retired from the shoe
+business on a fortune."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't seem to mind it!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I can stand it well enough, but I pity
+Squire Collins for losing my valuable services."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I thought you'd be down in the mouth. You
+don't seem to care."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why should I? Care killed a cat."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Arrived at the store, Mark stepped up to the
+counter and called for two pounds of sugar and
+two pounds of butter.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Palmer, the grocer, had heard of Mark's
+dismissal, and being a cautious man, inquired:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you going to pay cash?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard you had lost your place at the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mark, smiling, "I discharged
+Squire Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It'll be rather hard on you, won't it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess I can pay my bills, Mr. Palmer. At
+any rate I can pay for what I am buying now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The grocer put up the packages, and was surprised
+when Mark handed him a five-dollar bill
+in payment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seems to me you're flush," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So it seems," answered Mark, but he volunteered
+no information.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't make out that boy," said the grocer
+to his assistant, after Mark had gone out. "He
+looks as if he had got a good place instead of
+losing it. I wonder if the widder's got any
+money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not much, except what Mark brings in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They'll be asking credit soon, Enoch. Don't
+trust them till you've referred to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir, I won't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On his way home Mark met the cause of his
+discharge, James Collins, accompanied as usual
+by his friend, Tom Wyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" said James, eying Mark, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why ain't you at the shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do know. You've been discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose I am indebted to your kindness for
+that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, you are. Perhaps now you will be sorry
+for your impertinence to me in the pasture."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When I am I'll tell you so. At present I am
+glad, and would do the same thing again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How do you expect to live?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"On victuals and drink, thank you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you have money to buy them," supplemented
+James, with a malicious smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've got a little money left," and Mark drew
+out not only his own but the hermit's money.
+"You see I don't depend on work in the shoe-shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was both amazed and annoyed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did you get that money?" he asked
+abruptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid I must leave your curiosity ungratified.
+I'll tell you, as it may interest you,
+that I should have resigned my place in the shop
+at the end of the week, even if you hadn't kindly
+got me discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>So saying, Mark walked away.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where do you think he got that money,
+Tom?" said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Blamed if I know!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The next morning Mark walked to the depot to
+meet the morning train.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch13' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIII. <br /> THE LITTLE MAN IN BLACK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>When</span> the morning train arrived, Mark was
+on hand. He watched carefully for the man he
+was sent to meet. As it happened, the business
+agent was the last man to leave the train. He
+stepped upon the platform, and began to look
+about him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark advanced towards him, and raised his
+hat, politely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is this Mr. Hardy?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The small man regarded him sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he answered. "Have you a message
+for me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. I am to conduct you to Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just so. How is his health?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has had an attack of rheumatism, but is
+better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No wonder he is sick, living in that out-of-the-way
+place. Do you know him well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pretty well, sir. I am in his employ."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ha! then he is living a little more as he
+should do. What is your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"M. M. Just so. Sounds like a fancy name.
+Is it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; it's all the name I have," said Mark
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long have you been in the employ of
+Mr. Taylor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only a little over a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know anything about his history?"
+demanded Mr. Hardy, with a sharp look of inquiry.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. He has told me something of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Humph! Then he must have confidence in
+you. Well, let us be starting. Is it far?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nearly two miles, sir. Perhaps you will be
+tired."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In which case you will perhaps kindly carry
+me on your shoulders," suggested Mr. Hardy,
+quizzically.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid I shouldn't be able to do that,"
+returned Mark, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And yet, I don't believe I weigh much more
+than you. What is your weight?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"One hundred and twenty-three pounds."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I weigh one hundred and twenty-four.
+I have one pound the advantage of you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, who was a stout boy, was rather pleased
+to learn that he weighed within a pound as much
+as his companion. I suppose most boys are proud
+of their size.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They had commenced their walk and Mark
+found that his new acquaintance was a fast
+walker.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does Mr. Taylor ever have any visitors?"
+asked the lawyer, for such was his profession.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not from the village, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"From any other quarter?" asked Hardy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He had a call from his nephew, lately."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Lyman Taylor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then he has found his uncle's place of concealment.
+What do you know of the interview?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark gave an account of Lyman's visit, his demand
+for money, and his threatened violence.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he suppose his uncle had money?" inquired
+the lawyer, in an anxious tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He did not suppose he had much, but he
+wanted a part of it, however small."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he succeed in obtaining anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor told me to give him five dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I had a sum of money belonging to the hermit,
+in my possession. I used to buy things for
+him in the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you think Lyman went away with the
+impression that my friend—the hermit, as you
+call him—had very little money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I am sure of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you under the same impression?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; Mr Taylor has told me that he is
+moderately rich."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That shows he has great confidence in you.
+Don't breathe a word of it, my boy, or this rascally
+nephew will persecute his uncle, and make
+his life a burden."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He will learn nothing from me," said Mark
+firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You seem a good trustworthy boy—I think
+my friend made a good choice of a confidant."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At length they reached the cabin in the wood.
+Old Anthony was already outside, waiting for
+their coming.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, my friend," said the lawyer;
+"the boy tells me you have been sick——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I have had a visit from my old enemy,
+but I am much better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To be sick in such a place!" said the lawyer
+with a shudder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have not suffered, thanks to Mark—will
+you come in?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let us rather bring chairs outside, if you are
+provided with such luxuries. We shall have
+several matters to discuss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Hardy glanced significantly at Mark, who
+was leaning against a tree, and could of course
+hear the conversation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark," said the hermit, "you may go farther
+away, but return in an hour. This gentleman
+and myself may have some things to speak of
+which are private."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, old friend," Hardy began, "haven't
+you had enough of this strange existence? you
+are rich, and can afford all the comforts of life,
+yet you voluntarily surrender them, and bury
+yourself in this wilderness. Do you mean to stay
+here all your life?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I did at one time think it probable, now
+I am beginning to feel a greater interest in
+life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The boy tells me your nephew has found you
+out?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he came here in quest of money, but he
+went away convinced that I was nearly as poor as
+himself. If he knew the truth I should be in
+constant danger of robbery, or worse——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you die without a will, is he not your
+heir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He would be, but I shall make a will. It is
+partly to give you instructions on this point that
+I have sent for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You have no one else to leave your money
+to?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A part will go to charitable institutions, a
+part——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To one whom I hold in greater regard than
+my nephew—to the boy, who guided you hither."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Indeed! does he know anything of your
+purpose?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing, and need not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You have taken a fancy to him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he is honest, manly, upright, just such
+a boy as I should have been glad to have for my
+son. Don't dissuade me, for the thought of doing
+something for him gives me a new interest in
+life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall not dissuade you, Anthony, for I believe
+the boy to be all that you say. Of course if
+you had a blood relation who was deserving, I
+might make an objection. Has this boy relations?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only a mother, who is mainly dependent
+upon him. By the way, have you invested the
+sum paid in lately?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; but I have an application for it, or I
+should say, for four-fifths of it. Curiously, the
+applicant lives in this town."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Collins, the shoe manufacturer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am surprised at this. I thought he was
+rich."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has lost money by investments in stocks,
+and finds himself hard up."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What does he offer?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seven per cent, secured by a mortgage on
+his shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let him have it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you willing that your name should appear
+in the matter?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I shall transfer the sum to Mark, and
+make you his trustee or guardian."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I understand. Is he to know of his good
+fortune?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not at present. The boy was discharged only
+yesterday from the shop of this Collins," added
+Anthony, smiling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A good joke!" said the lawyer. "And now
+the boy lends him money. That is returning
+good for evil."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Without knowing it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Precisely."</p>
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch14' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIV. <br /> AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>There</span> is a further sum of a thousand dollars,"
+suggested the lawyer. "What is your
+pleasure in regard to that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The boy is to have that too. Deposit it in
+some savings' bank in your own name as his
+trustee."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That makes the boy worth five thousand
+dollars—a large gift."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly, but I know of no better use for it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is to remain ignorant of this also?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For the present, yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now for your instructions concerning the
+will. I will note them down, and prepare the
+document for your signature."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>These directions were given, one-half of the
+hermit's property being left to certain specified
+charities, the remaining half to Mark Manning.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The lawyer wrote in silence. Then, pausing,
+he said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you allow me, in right of our long friendship,
+to make one suggestion?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Surely, John."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then let me ask if you are sure that there is
+no one having a rightful claim upon you, and
+who ought to be considered in this matter?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you mean Lyman?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By no means. He has forfeited any claim
+he may once have possessed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then what is your meaning?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you sure that your daughter left no
+issue?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Anthony's brow contracted, not with anger
+but with pain. The old wound had not healed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never heard of any," he answered, after a
+pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yet there may have been a child."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And if there were?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It would be your grandchild," said the lawyer,
+firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And his child," said the hermit, bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You should not impute that to the child for
+blame."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What would you have me do, old friend?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Make provision for the child, if there should
+be one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What would you suggest?" asked Anthony,
+slowly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't wish to injure the boy; I would only
+suggest that charity begins at home. Divide
+your estate into thirds; give one-third to Mark,
+one to the child, if there be one, and one to
+charity."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no objection to that. But suppose
+there be no child living?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then divide that third between Mark and
+the charitable societies you have enumerated."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wisely counseled, John, but why not give it
+to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because I am moderately rich already, and
+need nothing more. Then, also, it would work
+against my interest to find the child. I might
+turn out to be as wicked and unprincipled as
+most lawyers are said to be," he concluded, with
+a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no fear of that. So that is your only
+objection—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It isn't. Give it all to the boy in preference."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, let it be as you proposed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"One thing more. Don't you think it is your
+duty to ascertain whether you have a grandchild?
+It may be living in poverty; perhaps in actual
+want."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right; I should have thought of
+that before. But what steps would you advise
+me to take?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Send some trusted messenger to the last place
+where you have information that your daughter
+lived. Have you tidings of her husband?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He died first. Both died of typhoid fever, as
+I learned."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did they die?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At a small place in Indiana—Claremont, I
+think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you should send there, and make inquiries.
+It would be well to go yourself, if you
+could bring yourself to do it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I couldn't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then send a trusted messenger."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have none whom I could trust—except that
+boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John Hardy looked thoughtful. He appeared
+to be pondering something. Finally he said:
+"Then send him. He is a boy, but he is faithful
+and discreet. Moreover, I could advise him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let it be so!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can you spare him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I am quite recovered, and he may not
+be gone many weeks. If I need help I can easily
+receive it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would suggest a delay of a week or two, or
+till the will is drawn up and signed, and some
+other business attended to."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be guided entirely by your advice."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now shall I leave you some money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I have enough to last for some time to
+come."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't keep it in this cabin, do you? It
+would be imprudent. You would be exposed to
+robbery."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I have a place of concealment in the
+woods. I shall go this afternoon, taking Mark
+with me, to draw from it. It is my bank."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The bank of the woods," suggested Hardy,
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Presently Mark returned, and conducted the
+lawyer back to the station. Without the boy's
+remarking it, his elderly companion drew him
+out, weighed him mentally in the balance, and
+decided that his client was not, after all, rash in
+confiding in a mere boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's smart and honest!" was his mental
+verdict.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At the station, he handed Mark a card containing
+the address of his office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Unless I am much mistaken," he said, "Mr.
+Taylor will have occasion to send you to my office
+in the city before long."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be very glad to come," answered Mark,
+gladly. "I don't often get a chance to come to
+New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The lawyer shook hands with Mark, and
+boarded the train.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Turning to leave the station, Mark encountered
+the gaze of his two hunting companions, James
+Collins and Tom Wyman, fixed curiously upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is that old file?" asked James, with his
+usual want of ceremony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A gentleman from New York," answered
+Mark, briefly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's his name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Hardy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How did you run across him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't; he ran across me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How did you get acquainted with him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He asked me to be his guide. I walked about
+with him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"O, a tourist! Did he give you anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then all your time and trouble was thrown
+away," sneered James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that. He invited me to
+call at his office when I came to the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is hardly likely to do you any good.
+Business doesn't call you to the city very often."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is true," said Mark, his temper undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A quarter would have helped you more, especially
+now that you are out of work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you sympathize with me, James.
+Perhaps you will ask your father to take me back
+into the shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not after the mean way in which you treated
+me. I swore I'd come up with you, and I
+have."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope you'll enjoy your revenge."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I do, you may be sure of that. If you had
+minded your own business, it would have been
+better for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not sure about that. It may surprise
+you, James, to hear that I wouldn't go back to
+the shop, if your father were to call and ask me
+to do so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a likely story!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Likely or not, it's true."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you have come into a fortune," said
+James, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was what had actually happened, but
+Mark had no more knowledge of his good fortune
+than James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Later in the day Mark presented himself at the
+cabin in the woods.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I thought you might have an errand for me,"
+he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I have," returned the hermit. "Take
+yonder spade and come with me."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch15' class='c007'>CHAPTER XV. <br /> THE HERMIT'S BANK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> was considerably surprised by the order
+he had received. What was he do with a spade?
+They were in the woods, and there was no arable
+land near. However, Mark was sensible enough
+to understand that it was his duty to obey, not to
+question.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, sir!" he said, but there was a
+wonder in his look which old Anthony noticed
+with a smile. However, he did not immediately
+throw any light on the mystery.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They walked possibly a quarter of a mile till
+they reached a comparatively open space near the
+center of which stood a tall tree.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We will stop here," said Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark lowered the spade, which he had been
+carrying on his shoulder, and waited further
+instructions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony produced a compass to make sure
+of his bearings, and a tape measure. One end of
+this he gave to Mark, saying: "Stand by the
+tree."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, wondering as much as ever, took his
+position beside the tree.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little more on that side!" was the next
+direction.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Mark was placed to suit him, Anthony
+took the other end of the tape measure, and
+measured due east sixteen feet.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said musingly, "this must be the
+spot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Marking the spot with a stone, he said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Bring the spade to me, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark did so.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you wonder what I am going to
+do?" said the hermit with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," Mark admitted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This is my bank," explained Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark wondered whether the hermit was in his
+right mind. He stood by curious and attentive,
+while Anthony began to disturb the soil, throwing
+up one spadeful of dirt after another.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He continued at his task for ten minutes, and
+then desisted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I get fatigued easily," he said; "here, Mark,
+take your turn."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark took the spade, and continued the excavation.
+He was young and strong, and bore the
+fatigue better than his employer. At length he
+felt the spade striking something hard.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have struck something," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well, now proceed more carefully, so as
+not to break the vessel. Uncover it, and then I
+will tell you what to do——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hole was now about eighteen inches deep.
+Mark cleared away some of the dirt, and disclosed
+an earthen pot which appeared to be provided
+with a cover.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What shall I do now?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Stoop down, and remove the cover, and take
+out what you find inside."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark got down on his knees, and bending over,
+accomplished what was asked of him. To his
+surprise he saw that the bottom of the pot was
+covered with gold pieces.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take them out, and hand them to me," said
+old Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All of them, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I may as well remove them to another
+place. Besides the balance must be small."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit counted the gold pieces, as they
+were placed in his hands.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars
+left!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>To Mark this seemed considerable, though it
+was evident the pot would have contained, if full,
+many times as much.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What shall I do with the pot?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You can leave it where it is. Anyone is
+welcome to it, now that it is empty. Put the
+cover on, and some one will one day stumble upon
+treasure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark filled up the hole, and disposed leaves
+over it so as to conceal the work that had been
+done.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well done, Mark! The last time I did
+all the work myself, but that was before I had
+the rheumatism. It has stiffened my joints, and
+weakened me as I find. Now let us go back."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark once more shouldered the spade, and
+the two walked back side by side.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I may as well explain how I came to deposit
+my money there," said old Anthony. "I was
+sensible that it would be dangerous to leave a
+large sum in my cabin, and it was not convenient
+or agreeable for me to make visits to the city
+from time to time to draw money from my agent.
+I was in the habit of going but once in a year or
+two, and then bringing with me enough to last
+me for a considerable period. I could, of course,
+have hidden my money under the flooring of my
+cabin, but that is the very place where burglars
+would have searched, had they done me the honor
+to look upon me as a miser, hiding concealed
+treasures. It was for this reason that I selected
+a hiding-place so far away from my dwelling.
+Fearing that I might forget the exact place, I
+chose a particular tree as a guide, and then measured
+a distance of sixteen feet due east. Of
+course there would be no danger of my mistaking
+the place then."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Somebody might have seen you digging
+there, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"True; I used to go early in the morning
+when no one was likely to be in the wood. Besides,
+I carefully looked about me before beginning
+to dig, to make all secure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We didn't look about us this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, it was not necessary. There is no money
+left, and as for the earthen pot, any one is welcome
+to it, who will take the trouble to dig for
+it. I fancy it would hardly repay the labor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is still considerable gold; are you not
+afraid of being robbed?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is a chance of it. I shall therefore give
+you half of it to keep for me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you have so much confidence in
+my honesty, Mr. Taylor. But I hope that no one
+will suspect that I have so much money, or I
+might be attacked."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Better give the greater part to your mother
+to lock up in a trunk or bureau drawer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I will, sir. It seems odd to have you
+choose me as a banker, Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think I shall have any cause to repent
+it, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nor I, so far as honesty goes, but I might be
+robbed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We will take our chance of that."</p>
+
+<hr class='c014' />
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark and his employer supposed themselves
+alone when they were engaged in disinterring
+the golden treasure, but they were mistaken.
+Two pairs of very curious eyes watched them
+from behind a clump of bushes. These eyes belonged
+to James Collins and Tom Wyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They were in the wood with their guns, looking
+for squirrels, when they saw the approach of
+Mark and the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder what they are going to do," said
+James. "Mark has got a spade."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know. Suppose we hide, and then
+we'll find out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This proposal struck James favorably, and
+they concealed themselves behind a clump of
+low trees, as already described. With eager
+eyes they watched the preliminary measurement,
+and the subsequent excavation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The old man's a miser," whispered James.
+"He's got gold hidden there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just what I think," responded Tom, also in a
+whisper.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if there's much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hush! We'll soon see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They were not near enough to hear what passed
+between Mark and Anthony, but they saw the
+gold coins which the boy passed to his employer.
+Then they saw the dirt replaced, and the spot
+made to look as before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Mark and Anthony had gone, they
+emerged from their hiding-place, eager and
+excited.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well," said James, drawing a long breath,
+"we've found the hermit's secret. He must be
+a miser. I wonder how much more gold there is
+in the hole."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thousands of dollars, very likely," said Tom,
+who had a vivid imagination. "You know it
+doesn't take a very big pile of gold to make a
+thousand dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning is pretty thick with old
+Anthony. He trusts him more than I would."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark'll rob him someday. See if he don't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder. I say, Tom, don't you
+tell a living soul of what we've seen this afternoon.
+If Mark steals the money, we can expose him.
+He little thinks we know his secret."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom agreed to this, and the two boys went
+home. When they next saw Mark, they regarded
+him with a knowing look that puzzled him.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch16' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVI. <br /> LYMAN TAYLOR GAINS SOME INFORMATION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>When</span> Lyman Taylor left his uncle and returned
+to the city, he felt that his visit had been
+a failure. His traveling expenses had amounted
+to about two dollars, and he only carried back
+five dollars with him. Added to this, his prospects
+of remunerative employment were by no
+means brilliant. To work, indeed, he was an
+enemy, and always had been.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Blessed if I know how I'm coming out," he
+said to himself, ruefully; "if Uncle Anthony
+had showed any enterprise, he ought to be well
+off, and able to lend me a helping hand. Instead
+of which he is settled down in a tumble-down
+shanty in the woods, and isn't doing any good to
+anybody."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman resented it as a wrong done to himself
+that his uncle was not in a condition to help him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>If he were only living in the city now, he might
+quarter himself upon him. As matters stood, it
+was out of the question. It made him shudder
+to think of becoming a joint tenant of the lonely
+cabin, with nothing to look to but the homely
+fare, which no doubt contented his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall have to shift for myself," he reflected
+with a sigh; "I always was unlucky. Other fellows
+are born with a silver spoon in their mouths,
+and have rich fathers or uncles to provide for
+them, while I may go to the poorhouse for all the
+help I am likely to get from Uncle Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Arrived in New York, however, his prospects
+rose a little. He met an old acquaintance on the
+Bowery, and turned into a billiard saloon, where
+he succeeded in a series of games in raising his
+small capital to ten dollars.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This gave him a hint of a new way to make a
+living—a way, as he considered, infinitely preferable
+to a life of toil. Henceforth he frequented
+billiard saloons, and occasionally varied his pleasant
+labors by a game of cards. In spite, however,
+of his praiseworthy efforts to make an honest
+livelihood, there came a time when he was reduced
+to his last quarter of a dollar.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was sitting moodily in a cheap downtown
+hotel, when he was addressed by a bearded man
+dressed in rough miner's costume, a type of man
+more frequently met in California or Colorado,
+than in an Atlantic city.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have a cigar, stranger?" asked the bearded
+man socially.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you; I don't care if I do," said
+Lyman with alacrity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm a stranger in York," said the other, "only
+arrived yesterday. You've got a right smart
+city here; beats 'Frisco higher'n a kite!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you come from San Francisco?" asked
+Lyman with interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm from Californy—was up in the mines
+mostly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you have much luck?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wal, I made two or three piles, an' lost 'em
+agin. However, I've got a little left. I've
+always wanted to see York, and thought I might
+as well come on and see it before I lost the
+last."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm glad to meet you," said Lyman, who was
+speculating as to whether he couldn't make a
+little something out of his new friend, before his
+"pile" was wholly reduced in size. "I'm an old
+Californian myself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't say so? when was you there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman mentioned the time, and the country
+where he had courted fortune.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't say, stranger?" returned the
+miner. "Why, I was at that identical place myself.
+I bought a mine—leastways me and my
+partner did—of an old man, named Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Anthony Taylor?" asked Lyman, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That was the old fellow's name. Did you
+know him, stranger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should say I did. He is my uncle. Did
+you—pay much for the claim?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We paid five thousand dollars cash down."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor whistled in amazement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was it worth it?" he added.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We took out ten thousand dollars, and I
+heerd that the old man took out as much before
+selling it to us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What month did you buy it?" asked Lyman,
+breathless.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me see, it was in September. You seem
+to be interested, stranger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should say I was. That claim was half
+mine, and my uncle never gave me a cent of the
+purchase money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where were you all the time?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I left in disgust, for we'd worked a long time
+without making it pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You left too soon. The old man struck it
+rich some time early in August, and carried away
+ten thousand dollars, besides what we gave him.
+We didn't make so much of a spec, for too much
+had been taken out already. Where is your
+uncle now?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Living in the country. I went up to see him
+two or three weeks since."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How's he fixed? Did he hang on to his
+pile?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's hanging on to it now," answered Lyman,
+with an oath. "He made out he was poor, and
+sent me off with a beggarly five-dollar note."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he's lost his money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"More likely he's keeping it out of the way.
+He ought to give me half he made out of the
+claim."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that, stranger. You
+gave up and left, and all he made afterwards,
+went of right to him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor, however, did not regard the
+matter in that light. Discreetly losing sight of
+the circumstances under which he left his uncle,
+carrying off all the gold dust he had then accumulated,
+he persuaded himself that he had suffered
+a great wrong in not having shared in the
+subsequent rich development.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just my luck!" he said to himself, moodily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I'd only waited a couple of months I'd have
+left California a rich man. How was I to guess
+how the claim was going to pan out. I didn't
+think Uncle Anthony would have treated me so
+meanly. I wonder how much he's got left?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was an interesting subject of consideration,
+but unfortunately, Lyman had no data to
+go upon; or, rather, what data he had, were not
+calculated to favor the presumption that his
+uncle was a rich man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It did not look very likely that a rich man, or
+even one moderately well-to-do, would voluntarily
+make his home in a poor cabin, like that
+which old Anthony occupied.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman began to fear that his uncle had managed
+to lose by bad investments the money he
+had obtained from the claims, and was really as
+poor as appearances would seem to indicate.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you livin' in this hotel?" asked the
+miner.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm not living anywhere in particular," answered
+Lyman. "Fact is, I'm rather down on
+my luck. There are no 'piles' to be made in
+New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've been there myself, stranger. Here, take
+this, and pay it back when it's convenient."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman eagerly accepted the twenty-dollar gold
+piece offered him by his liberal new acquaintance,
+and leading the way to the bar, they cemented
+their new-born friendship by a drink in true California
+style. He then proposed a game of cards,
+but the miner declined.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never cared much for keerds," he said.
+"Excuse me! I don't mind playing a game of
+pool if you're agreeable."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When the two parted, they were sworn friends.
+Lyman, however, found that his miner friend
+had all his wits about him, and that the twenty
+dollar loan was all he was likely to extract from
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I must make another visit to that uncle of
+mine," said Lyman to himself, as he sauntered
+down the Bowery. "He ought to pay me half
+the money he got for that claim."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch17' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVII. <br /> ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Keen</span> on the scent of anything likely to turn
+to his own advantage, Lyman Taylor arranged
+the very next day to make a second visit to Pocasset,
+and find out definitely, if possible, whether
+his uncle had saved any of the large sum which
+his claim had yielded him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He hardly knew what to think. Anthony was
+not the man to waste money on extravagant
+living, but then he might have made poor investments,
+and reduced himself to a pittance. Cases
+of that kind were common enough in California,
+as Lyman knew well enough.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He preferred, however, to think that his uncle
+had turned miser, and was still the possessor of a
+handsome fortune. In that case, as the only
+near relative, it ought to come to him some day.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me see," he mused, "how old is Uncle
+Anthony! Fifty-nine!" he resumed, after a
+mental calculation. "That isn't very old, but he
+looks a good deal older. He is about played out—a
+physical wreck," he reflected, complacently,
+"and may not live a year.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In that damp cabin it could not be expected.
+Of course it's his own lookout. If he chooses to
+live there, I don't see that it's any of my business.
+I ought to come to a friendly understanding with
+him, and get him to recognize me as his heir.
+I dare say he's got his money hidden away in
+some out-of-the-way place. It would be a sorry
+joke if he should die, and it shouldn't be found."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman shuddered uneasily, as he thought of
+this contingency.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He ought to place his money in charge of
+some competent manager," he resumed. "I'd
+take care of it myself, and save him all business
+cares, if he'd let me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman did not appreciate the absurdity of this
+plan. Few persons think themselves unfit to be
+trusted with money. What he thought of his
+own honesty can only be conjectured. Probably
+he did not regard himself with the eyes of those
+who knew him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Such thoughts were passing through the mind
+of the hermit's nephew, as he was traveling from
+New York to Pocasset. Arrived at the depot, he
+set out for the village at a brisk pace.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Presently he espied in advance of him a couple
+of boys, whose figures looked familiar. It did
+not take him long to recall the two boys he had
+met in the pasture on his former visit. Of course
+they were James and Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just the ones I want to see," he said to himself.
+"I may get some news from them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He quickened his pace, and soon overtook
+them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, young gentlemen!" he said,
+urbanely. "I believe we have met before."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boys turned around. They, too, recognized
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," answered James. "You are old
+Anthony's nephew."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The same! I am glad you remember me.
+Have you seen or heard of my uncle lately?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; we saw him yesterday in the wood."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has he recovered from his rheumatic attack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess so," said Tom. "He is looking pretty
+well now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I came down to inquire his condition. I am
+his only relative, and though he is prejudiced
+against me, I can't help feeling anxious about his
+health. Can you tell me anything about him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has that boy, Mark Manning, about him
+all the time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can be the boy's object in keeping
+company with a poor old man, who has no way
+of rewarding him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not so sure about that," said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About what?" asked Lyman, quickly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About his being poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you any reason to think my uncle has
+money?" asked Lyman, eagerly, fixing a sharp
+glance of inquiry on the speaker.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James looked at Tom, as if to consult him
+about the propriety of telling what he knew.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As I am his nephew and only relation, and—heir,"
+continued Lyman, "you can freely tell
+me anything you have found out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you?" asked James, turning to his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see why not," returned Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then," said James, who rather enjoyed the
+prospect of telling the story, "I'll tell you what I
+saw the other day—that is, Tom and I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes, what did you see?" interrupted
+Lyman, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We were out in the woods about a quarter of
+a mile from the hermit's cabin, when we all at
+once heard voices. Slipping behind a tree we
+saw old Anthony and Mark coming along. Mark
+had a spade over his shoulder. We wondered
+what it all meant, and so kept hidden. Well,
+the two came up to a big tree, and then measured
+with a tape measure to a place about a rod
+distant. Then old Anthony took the spade and
+began to dig. But I guess he got tired, for
+pretty soon he gave the spade to Mark, and got
+him to dig."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" ejaculated Lyman, who was listening
+with intense interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pretty soon he struck something hard. It
+turned out to be an earthen pot with a cover."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did they take it up?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; but Mark took off the cover, and then
+took out, oh, such a lot of gold pieces."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just what I thought!" exclaimed Lyman, in
+excitement. "I was sure my uncle kept his
+money hidden in the ground somewhere. Do you
+know how much money he took out of the jar?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There must have been hundreds of dollars—maybe
+a thousand."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The cover was put on again, and then Mark
+filled up the hole, and covered it with leaves, so
+that nobody would think the ground had been
+disturbed, then they went away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That shows there must be more money there,
+don't you think so?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course, or they wouldn't have taken so
+much trouble to cover it up again," answered
+James, readily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right. I see you are sharp. What
+a fine detective you would make!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James looked pleased at this compliment, and it
+inclined him in favor of the appreciative stranger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think," asked Lyman, after a pause,
+"you could find the spot again?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I guess so. Why?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should like to go there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But," objected James, cautiously, "what
+would you do if you found it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would dig down and find the jar."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But you would have no right to do that; the
+money belongs to old Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is my uncle. But you are mistaken. I
+don't want to take it. I want to see if the gold is
+still there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why shouldn't it be?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because," answered Lyman, with a lucky
+thought, "the boy knows where it is. What is
+to prevent his going there by himself and carrying
+off all there is. My uncle would have no
+proof that it was he."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never thought of that," said James, quickly.
+"It would be just like Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he is honest?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't answer for him. He is a poor
+boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly, and the gold would be a great temptation.
+As the legal heir of Uncle Anthony, I
+think I ought to look into the matter. Suppose
+my uncle should die, wouldn't this Mark get the
+money, even if he hasn't done it already, and no
+one would be the wiser?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course!" James readily assented. "What
+do you want us to do?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Lead me to the place, and let me see for
+myself if the money is still there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall we, Tom?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it would be only fair."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then come along. I'll get a spade from the
+house as we pass."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The spade was obtained, and the three set out
+for the wood.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch18' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVIII. <br /> LYMAN'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>James</span> was not without his share of curiosity,
+and he was strongly desirous of seeing with his
+own eyes the pot of gold, and so learning how
+rich the hermit was.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Prejudiced as he was against Mark, he did not
+really believe the boy would appropriate money
+that did not belong to him, though it would have
+been a satisfaction to him to find that his enemy
+was in a scrape.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That boy, Mark, seems to be an artful young
+rascal," Lyman Taylor remarked, as they were
+walking along together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is all of that," said James, emphatically.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My uncle is old, and his mind is weak. He
+is very likely to be influenced by a sharp, unprincipled
+boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's lucky you came down here to watch
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That depends on whether I am able to put a
+spoke in his wheel."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know whether your uncle has much
+money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know, positively, but I have heard he
+was very successful in California."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he is rich, I shouldn't think he would live
+in such a tumble-down cabin," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he has become a miser. His burying
+money looks like it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They entered the wood, and as the boys knew
+their way all over it, they were able to go
+straight to the tree.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was from this tree that old Anthony measured,"
+said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can you tell in what direction?" inquired
+Lyman, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This way, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know how far?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not exactly, but we can tell by seeing where
+the ground has been disturbed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor took the spade and began to dig
+vigorously. Such hard work was not generally
+to his taste, but now he was spurred by a powerful
+motive.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He would not have been sorry, now that he had
+obtained the information he required, if the
+boys had left him to work alone. But this they
+had no intention of doing. They were very curious
+to see the treasure unearthed, and ascertain
+how much there was.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At length, the spade struck the earthen pot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've touched it!" exclaimed Lyman, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He worked with redoubled energy, and soon laid
+bare the buried vessel.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boys drew near, eagerly, and looked into
+the hole.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman threw himself down upon his knees,
+and removed the cover of the jar. No sooner
+had he done so, when he uttered a fierce cry of
+disappointment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Boys," he said, looking up with haggard
+face, "there's nothing there!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No gold in the jar?" asked James, with a
+blank look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not a particle. Are you sure there was any
+left?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We couldn't see, but it stands to reason that
+it would not have been so carefully covered up
+unless there had been some left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right there. Now, what has become
+of it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can Mark have taken it?" said James, turning
+to Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know," answered Tom, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's just what happened. I'd like to wring
+the young rascal's neck," said Lyman, fiercely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are you going to do about it?" asked
+James, curiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I say, boys, it's pretty hard luck," complained
+Lyman, "to see yourself robbed by an artful
+young scoundrel. He's just taken in Uncle Anthony
+by his artful ways, and is laying a trap
+for his money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I see now," said James, quickly. "That's
+what he meant by not caring about losing his
+place in my father's shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll go and warn my uncle against him," said
+Lyman. "Boys, will you show me the shortest
+way to the cabin?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly, with pleasure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Pleased with the idea of getting Mark into a
+scrape, James guided the disappointed nephew to
+the hermit's dwelling.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch19' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIX. <br /> THE HERMIT RECEIVES A CALL.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Old</span> Anthony was sitting in his doorway,
+thoughtfully smoking a pipe, when, chancing to
+lift his eyes, his gaze fell upon the figure of his
+nephew advancing towards the cabin. It was a
+surprise, and not a pleasant one. He could not
+divine Lyman's object in making this second
+visit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How are you getting along, Uncle Anthony?"
+inquired Lyman, in a conciliatory tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you come all the way from New York
+to ask me that question?" said the hermit,
+dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, not altogether. Still, I wanted to
+know whether you were better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have got over my rheumatic attack," said
+Anthony, shortly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm very glad. At your age it must be uncomfortable
+to be sick—especially in such a place.
+Can't I persuade you to come to New York, and
+take comfortable lodgings?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why should you desire it? Perhaps you
+would propose to live with me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And if I did, being your only relative, it would
+be natural enough. With your means——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you know of my means?" demanded
+the hermit, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have reason to think you are better off
+than your position would indicate," announced
+Lyman, watching the effect of the assertion on
+his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What reason?" inquired Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, I know you were very successful in
+California—after I left you. You struck it rich,
+made a great deal of money, and then sold the
+claim for a good round sum."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Anthony's countenance did not change, though
+the communication was by no means a welcome
+one.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much of this money do you think I have
+now?" he asked, at length.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I don't propose to tell you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know you have some of it!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very possibly. I cannot live for nothing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I know where you keep it," added Lyman,
+provoked by his uncle's manner.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Indeed!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I can't commend your prudence in putting
+your money where it is so likely to be found—and
+taken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Be a little more explicit. Let me know just
+what you mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Burying money in the ground is not very
+wise."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony was taken by surprise, and showed
+it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you know this? Where did you obtain
+the information?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"From some one who saw you and the boy,
+Mark, digging for it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well," said the old man, quietly, "I know of
+no better place. People are honest round here,
+and it will not be taken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I agree with you there, Uncle Anthony. It
+won't be taken for a very good reason. There is
+none there. The jar is empty."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How do you know this, Lyman?" demanded
+the hermit, with a searching look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman hesitated, but it seemed necessary to
+tell the truth.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because, when I learned that you had been
+so imprudent as to let the boy into your secret, I
+concluded at once that he would take advantage
+of his knowledge, and rob you. I therefore uncovered
+the place, and found it as I suspected.
+The jar is empty."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony betrayed no excitement on hearing
+this.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is quite true," he said, quietly. "All the
+gold has been taken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You knew this?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly. I took the last gold piece myself.
+Having no occasion for the jar, I left it there.
+You are certainly very kind to take so much
+interest in the safety of my property, but it is
+needless. I am still able to take care of what
+money I have left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman's face fell. He began to suspect that
+this was only too true.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch20' class='c007'>CHAPTER XX. <br /> HOW LYMAN SUCCEEDED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>I am</span> afraid you misjudge me, Uncle Anthony,"
+said Lyman, after a pause, during which
+he reflected that his best course was, if possible,
+to make a favorable impression upon the relative
+who might be in possession of considerable
+property. "I am afraid that you are prejudiced
+against me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must admit that I have reason," said
+his uncle, dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is true," replied Lyman, with an engaging
+frankness; "I did not treat you well in California."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should say not. You disappeared, carrying
+away two thousand dollars, leaving me penniless."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course I was wrong. Still you had the
+claim, out of which you made a good deal more
+within a short time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When you left me," said the hermit, quietly,
+"it looked as if it were worthless. That it
+proved otherwise, was my good fortune."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't argue the matter, Uncle Anthony. I
+was young and heedless."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wicked would be a better word."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I have had bad luck; I am almost penniless
+now. If you would be willing to help
+me——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To what extent do you want help?" asked
+Anthony, abruptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you could lend me fifty dollars, it would
+set me on my feet."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And in a week or two you would be coming
+back for more."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Upon my honor——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much honor have you?" asked his
+uncle, contemptuously. "Would you like to go
+West?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I will give you the means of getting
+there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman was under the impression that his uncle
+proposed to hand him a sum of money, out of
+which he decided to buy a western ticket if it
+suited his convenience; Uncle Anthony would
+be none the wiser.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, uncle, if you will give me a hundred
+dollars, I will go to Chicago, and seek there a
+chance to make an honest livelihood."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony took out a memorandum book,
+tore a leaf from it, and wrote a few lines, which
+he handed to his nephew.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is this?" asked Lyman, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is an order on a friend of mine in New
+York for a Chicago railroad ticket."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And the money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He will give you an order on a firm in Chicago
+for the balance of the money, which will be
+paid you there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman's countenance fell. It was clear that
+the trick which he intended to play on his uncle
+would be impossible.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems to me," he said, "it would be better
+to give me the money at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope you have no suspicions of my good
+faith."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't express my opinion on that subject.
+I will only say that the arrangement I have
+suggested suits me best."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well," said Lyman, slowly, "I will try to
+win your good opinion. I am afraid I have not
+money enough to get back to the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had over ten dollars in his pocket at that
+moment, but it struck him that he had a good
+excuse for securing a little more.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit smiled contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then suppose I had had no money to give you—how
+would you have got back to the city?
+Perhaps you meant to stay with me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will, Uncle Anthony, if you desire it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you. I won't trouble you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should have had to walk back. But, uncle,
+I can't leave you without a word of warning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That boy, Mark, I am sure is scheming to
+rob you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you know of Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know the reputation he bears in the town.
+I know he has been discharged from the shoe-shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who told you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Two boys whom I met. One is the son of
+Mark's employer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know the boys you mean. They dislike
+Mark, but I prefer him to them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>A noise was heard at the door, and Mark entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He looked in surprise at the visitor, whom he
+instantly recognized.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You see, Mark," said the hermit, "my
+nephew has kindly called to see me again. He
+felt anxious about my health."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I feel relieved to find you so much better,
+uncle," said Lyman, by no means abashed at the
+hermit's ironical words.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is the more creditable to him, this solicitude,
+because he had only money enough to pay
+his fare one way. Mark, you may give him five
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well, sir,"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark drew a five-dollar gold piece from his
+pocket, and handed it to Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does Mark carry all your money, uncle?"
+asked Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not quite all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope he won't take a fancy to travel at
+your expense."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark's face flushed indignantly, but he left old
+Anthony to answer for him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have perfect confidence in Mark," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir," Mark responded, gratefully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you anything for me to do this morning?"
+the boy asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I will give you a list of articles which
+you may bring me from the village to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I will return, as I have some work to
+do at home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will go along with you, Mark," said Lyman,
+suddenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you wish," answered Mark, but he would
+rather have gone alone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good-by, Uncle Anthony. It may be a good
+while before I see you again. If you need me at
+any time, write or telegraph."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will bear it in mind," said the old man,
+dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark and the dutiful nephew left the cabin
+together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You've got a soft place, youngster," Lyman
+began.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have an easy place, and a kind employer,"
+said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you carry the old man's money, hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Some of it," answered Mark, eying his companion,
+suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't looked scared, boy. I'm not going to
+rob you. I only want to ask you a few questions.
+How much money did you and he take from that
+buried jar the other day?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who told you about it?" asked Mark, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"O, I know more about the old man's affairs
+than you suppose," chuckled Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't tell you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Won't, you mean," returned Lyman, scowling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no right to do so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, boy, do you know that I am my
+uncle's heir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He never told me so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I tell you so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear you, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll tell you something else. I believe you are
+trying to worm yourself into my uncle's confidence,
+so as to rob him—and me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your thinking so doesn't make it so," said
+Mark, angrily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I warn you that you had better think twice
+before you play such a dangerous game. You
+have a bad reputation in the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who told you so?" demanded Mark, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Two of your companions."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James Collins and Tom Wyman probably!"
+said Mark, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know you were discharged from your place
+in the shoe-shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But for no good reason."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's what you say. How much money of
+my uncle's have you in your pocket?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That I don't choose to tell," said Mark, firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman felt a strong inclination to take the
+money by force, but prudence restrained him.
+In that case, the order which he carried would
+not be honored, and he would probably lose more
+than he would gain.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was apprehensive of an attack, and it
+was with joy that he caught sight a little way in
+advance of James and Tom, whom under other
+circumstances he would not have cared to meet.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You will now have company," he said, "and
+I will hurry along."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman did not oppose his purpose, and joined
+the two boys.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch21' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIX. <br /> ALL ABOARD FOR NEW YORK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>The</span> next day Mark found a letter in the post-office
+directed to Anthony Taylor. According to
+custom it appeared in a written list containing
+the letters of those who had no boxes.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark called for it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is Anthony Taylor?" asked Tom Wyman,
+who happened to be attending the office for
+his father.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony," as the boys call him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if there's money in it!" said Tom,
+holding up the letter, and trying to peep inside.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's none of our business," answered
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, you're mighty virtuous!" sneered Tom.
+"If there is any money, I'll bet you'll get a share
+of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I get no money except my wages."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much does he pay you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would rather not tell," returned Mark, with
+a smile. "You might try to get my place
+away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As if I would work for an old tramp like the
+hermit!" exclaimed Tom, disdainfully. "I suppose
+he pays you about a dollar a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's better than doing nothing, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it's better for you. I don't want your
+place. I shall go to the city when my school days
+are over."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wish you good luck, Tom, whenever you
+do," said Mark, good-naturedly. "I must hurry
+along with my letter."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A letter for you, Mr. Taylor," announced
+Mark, as he entered the cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"From John Hardy," said the hermit, as he
+scanned the address.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He opened the letter and read as follows:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>My Dear Old Friend</span>: Your will is drafted
+and ready for signature. You had better come
+up to the city, and sign it. I know your reluctance
+to leave your forest home, but it will
+occur to you at once that your signature must
+be witnessed, and though witnesses might be
+found in Pocasset, it would involve a degree of
+publicity which I presume you would wish to
+avoid. Here I can easily get it witnessed by my
+clerks.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"I suggest that you bring the boy, Mark, with
+you, as he may be of service to you. Moreover,
+I think it is high time that we spoke to him of
+the mission on which you propose to send him.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"Your worthy nephew, Lyman, called upon me
+to-day with your letter. He wished me to furnish
+him with the money needed for his ticket,
+but I thought it better to send a clerk to purchase
+the ticket, and see him fairly off. He has just
+returned, and reports that Lyman is on the way
+to Chicago. I think you showed considerable
+shrewdness in securing his removal from this
+neighborhood. He may return, to be sure, but
+the chances are that he will spend all the money,
+and find himself stranded in Chicago. If this
+compels him to work for a living, no harm will
+result.</p>
+<div class='lg-container-r c016'>
+  <div class='linegroup'>
+    <div class='group'>
+      <div class='line'>"Your friend as ever.</div>
+      <div class='line'>"<span class='sc'>John Hardy.</span>"</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony laid down the letter thoughtfully.
+He was reluctant to go to New York, but saw
+that it was necessary. His reluctance was diminished
+by the prospect of having Mark's company.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark," he said, "can you go to New York
+with me to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark stared at his employer in amazement.
+The proposal was very unexpected.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am obliged to go up on business," explained
+the hermit. "I wish I could delegate it to you,
+but I must attend to it myself. It is so long
+since I have been in a crowd, that I believe I
+shall need some one to take care of me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be very happy to accompany you, sir,"
+said Mark, with alacrity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At what time does the morning train leave
+the station?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nine o'clock, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then meet me there at fifteen minutes before
+the hour."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When shall we return?" asked Mark, after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When does the afternoon train leave the
+city?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At three o'clock."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We will return then."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I only wanted to tell my mother when to expect
+me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It must be admitted that old Anthony looked
+like an antediluvian figure in his old-fashioned
+coat, with a short waist and long tails, as he
+stood on the platform the next morning waiting
+for the train. Two or three of the village boys
+laughed rudely, but the hermit was buried in
+thought, and took no notice of them. Mark,
+himself, thought his employer looked queer, but
+he saw nothing to laugh at.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you going to town with old Anthony?"
+asked one of the boys.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"People will take him for your grandfather."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't mind."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He looks like a rusty old tramp. His coat
+looks as if it was made in the year one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has a right to consult his own taste. He
+has been kind to me, and I don't care to listen to
+any rude remarks."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may buy two tickets, Mark," said the
+hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark did so.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Just as he was leaving the ticket-window, his
+former employer, Mr. Collins, the shoe manufacturer,
+took his place.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you going to the city?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who goes with you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The—the hermit."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh!" returned the manufacturer, arching his
+brows, "are you working for him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You might have been working for me, if you
+had behaved yourself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am satisfied with the change," answered
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That boy is impertinent," soliloquized the village
+magnate. "He can't get much pay from a
+pauper. However, it serves him right. Of
+course, it is only pride that makes him profess to
+be satisfied."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark would have been surprised, had he known
+that Mr. Collins was going up to the city to call
+upon the person with whom the hermit had business.
+Such was the fact, however. Mr. Collins
+had applied to Mr. Hardy for a sum of four
+thousand dollars, mortgaging therefor, his large
+shoe manufactory, which had originally cost
+double this sum.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>As Mr. Hardy told old Anthony, he had ventured
+into Wall Street, and the losses he had incurred
+there, had forced him to raise money in
+this way.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>To-day had been fixed by Mr. Hardy for the
+execution of the papers, and the transfer of the
+sum required. Twelve o'clock was the hour appointed
+by Mr. Hardy, for his business with the
+manufacturer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What on earth can carry that old scarecrow
+up to New York?" thought Mr. Collins, as he
+eyed curiously old Anthony, who, with Mark,
+was seated a few steps in front of him, in the
+same car. "I suppose he has a pension from
+some source, and is going to collect it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It may be remarked that James Collins had
+never communicated to his father the discovery
+made in the forest, connected with the pot of
+gold.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch22' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXII. <br /> IN AN OFFICE ON BROADWAY.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mr. Hardy's</span> office was in a large, high building,
+on Broadway. It was the fifth floor, but
+there was an elevator constantly running, which
+made it nearly as easy of access as if it had been
+on the first.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had never before ridden in an elevator,
+and he enjoyed the novelty of it. From a directory,
+near the entrance, they ascertained that
+Mr. Hardy occupied office No. 55, and this was
+easily found.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Welcome to New York," said the agent, advancing
+cordially, to greet his visitors. "Good
+morning, Mark. So you have piloted my old
+friend safely."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think he has piloted me, sir. I know very
+little of the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have not been here for five years," said
+Anthony, reflectively. "I am unused to the
+noise, and it confuses me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I like it," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are young, and enjoy new and busy
+scenes," said Mr. Hardy. "Would you like to
+travel?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very much, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps you may some time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid it will be a long time before I am
+able."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Possibly not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, however, did not detect any special
+significance in these words.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may sit down here, and read a morning
+paper, Mark," said the agent, "while I transact
+a little business with Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The two entered an inner office, where Mr.
+Hardy produced an official-looking document, to
+which he called the attention of the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Read it over," he said, "and see if it meets
+your views."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Precisely," answered Anthony, after he had
+taken the time necessary to read it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it may as well be signed at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Hardy summoned three clerks from the
+outer office, and in their presence as witnesses
+the will was signed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose I may as well leave the document
+with you, John," said Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be as well. Now, about the other
+matter. It seems to me you may as well send
+Mark at once in search of some clue to the possible
+existence of a grandchild. Before doing so,
+however, may I suggest something?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't like the idea of your living in that
+lonely cabin. Why can't you seek a home in the
+house of your young secretary? Has he a good
+mother?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She is a very worthy woman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has she a room for you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you think of my proposal?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have been thinking of such a change myself.
+For the first time in five years I am beginning
+to find my cabin home monotonous."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad to hear it. You will be much better
+off in a home where you can be taken care
+of."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will attend to the matter without delay on
+my return."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So far, so good. Now, let me call in Mark,
+and speak to him of our plan."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, at the summons, entered the back
+office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark," said Mr. Hardy, "we want you to
+take a journey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be very glad to do so, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be a long one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The longer the better," answered Mark, his
+eyes sparkling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your first stopping place will be Chicago."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should like nothing better," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The commission will be to trace out Mr. Taylor's
+daughter, and find out whether she left a
+child. Necessary instructions will be given in
+writing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think I am old enough?" asked Mark,
+excited but doubtful whether he was competent
+for the duty assigned him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Discretion is more needful than age," answered
+Mr. Hardy. "Perhaps an older messenger
+would be better, but as my friend wishes to
+avoid publicity, he is disposed to try you. Would
+your mother be willing to have you go?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so, sir, but I hate to leave her
+alone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor proposes to board with her while
+you are absent, if you think she would be willing
+to receive him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know she would be glad to secure such a
+boarder," answered Mark, quickly; "with that
+help she would be able to get along very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then that matter is probably settled. Now
+a few words to guide you in your quest."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>These words need not be repeated here, as in
+following Mark's journey it will be understood
+what they were.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Their business concluded, Mark and the hermit
+left the office and descended to the ground floor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They were just leaving the building when
+Squire Collins entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He arched his brows in surprise. "You here?"
+he said, addressing Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"On what errand?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was privately of opinion that he had as
+much right to ask the manufacturer's business
+as the latter his, but he answered: "Mr. Taylor
+had business here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins smiled contemptuously. It did
+not strike him that the hermit's business was
+likely to be of any great moment. So people
+often deceive themselves and assume a superiority
+to which they have little claim.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably old Anthony has just been paid his
+pension," he thought, as he left them, and made
+his way to the elevator.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He, too, ascended to the fifth floor, and leaving
+it there went to John Hardy's office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mr. Collins," said Hardy.
+He knew nothing of the manufacturer's home
+title. "I shall be at leisure in five minutes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The five minutes passed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now I am at your service," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you decided to let me have the money,
+Mr. Hardy?" asked the manufacturer, trying to
+conceal his anxiety.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Taking as security a mortgage on your manufactory?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I can let you have it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins looked much relieved.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You will find the security ample," he said.
+"The building is worth double the sum I am
+borrowing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is it well insured?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The policies of insurance must be placed in
+my hands."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have to take all precautions, as the money
+is not mine, but belongs to a boy for whom I am
+trustee."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins had no curiosity as to the name
+of the boy referred to. He would have been very
+much amazed had he been told that it was the
+very boy whom he had discharged from his employment
+only a short time previous. For that
+matter, Mark would have been quite as much
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In the course of half an hour the proper papers
+had been made out, a check for four thousand
+dollars handed to Squire Collins, and the shoe
+manufacturer left the office in as good spirits as
+Mark had done half an hour before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By-the-way," remarked the Squire at his
+supper table that evening, "I met two persons
+from Pocasset in the city to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who were they?" asked James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony and Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What could have taken them to the city?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I presume Anthony receives a small pension
+from some source, and went up to collect it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it very likely," said James, thinking
+of what he had seen in the forest. "I presume
+it isn't much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't think he'd have gone to the expense
+of taking Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The old man looked dazed. I presume he
+doesn't feel safe in going alone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very likely Mark asked to go. He's fastened
+himself on the old man, and means to get all he
+can out of him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It is wonderful how prejudice colors our
+opinion of others.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch23' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIII. <br /> MARK'S MISSION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Three</span> days later, two things puzzled the good
+people of Pocasset. One was the removal of old
+Anthony from his lonely cabin to the small but
+comfortable cottage of Mrs. Manning. It was
+voted by the village people a very sensible move,
+but they were at a loss to understand how the
+recluse had been persuaded to change his mode of
+life. It was generally supposed that he was quite
+poor, but the two or three dollars a week he
+would be able to pay the widow would be a help.
+A room on the second floor was appropriated to
+old Anthony, where he spent much of his time.
+Every day, however, he wandered off to the
+woods, which had been his residence for several
+years. Though he said little, he was soon convinced
+that he had bettered himself by his removal.
+Mrs. Manning provided plain, well-cooked
+meals, which were far more attractive
+than the extemporized lunches with which he had
+thus far been content.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There was another circumstance, however, that
+equally puzzled the good people of the village.
+This was the disappearance of Mark. He was
+no longer seen walking about the streets, and
+many were the inquiries made of his mother as to
+where he had gone. At the request of old Anthony
+she answered very indefinitely. She could not
+tell just where Mark was, but he was employed.
+He would probably be home in a few
+weeks.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Among those whose curiosity was most keen
+were James Collins and Tom Wyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where do you think Mark has gone?" said
+James one day, throwing away a half-smoked
+cigarette.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know any more than the man in the
+moon," answered Tom. "I asked his mother the
+other day when I met her in the street, but I
+couldn't get any satisfaction out of her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he has gone to the city in search of
+a place."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can't get anything to do here. Father
+won't take him back into the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He was at work for old Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That couldn't amount to much. The hermit
+is as poor as Job's turkey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know this? How about the gold we
+saw?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was all he had," said James, who was in
+the habit of jumping at conclusions. "My father
+says he gets a small pension from some person in
+the city. Some rich relative, I suppose, is taking
+care of him. Do you know, Tom, I should be
+glad to come across Mark blacking boots, or selling
+papers in the city?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is so mighty independent—poor and proud—that
+I believe he actually thinks himself as
+good as you or I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is pretty pert, that's a fact."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he were only humble, and showed that he
+knew his place, I'd get father to take him back
+into the shop. It's his own fault that he got
+discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's a good thing for his mother having a
+boarder, as Mark isn't able to help her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pooh! what does that amount to? He probably
+pays two or three dollars a week. However,
+I suppose that's a good deal to her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark would have been amused, but not surprised,
+if he could have heard this conversation between
+his two old companions. At present, however,
+he had other things to occupy his attention.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had already reached Chicago and was staying
+there a day or two before going farther.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>His ultimate destination was Claremont, in
+Indiana, the place where the daughter of the
+hermit was understood to have died. It was about
+seventy-five miles from Chicago, and could be
+reached in three hours. Mark felt that he could
+do no better in his brief stay in Chicago than walk
+about, and make himself familiar with the principal
+streets and avenues, and gain some knowledge
+of the western metropolis.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He kept his eyes wide open, and noticed all
+that came in his way. Everywhere throngs of
+busy wayfarers, and not one of whom he had
+ever seen before. It seemed strange to him, for
+in Pocasset he knew everybody.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The world is larger than I thought," he reflected,
+"and there are more people in it. I wish
+I could see one familiar face."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had hardly formulated the wish when his
+glance rested on a form that seemed strangely
+familiar. It was a man, tall, slender, with a
+slouching gait.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That must be Lyman Taylor," he decided,
+with a natural start of astonishment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was indeed the man whom he had last seen
+in the woods at Pocasset. He had not thought
+to meet him, though he remembered now to have
+heard that Lyman had been sent to the West by
+his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On the whole, Mark was not as much pleased as
+he expected to see this familiar face. He did not
+care to be recognized, as Lyman might have his
+curiosity excited, and make him trouble.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Suddenly Lyman turned, and his glance fell
+upon Mark. The boy lowered his head, and
+walked on without notice. Lyman did not recognize
+him, though he was vaguely conscious of
+something familiar in Mark's appearance. But
+before he left New York, Mark had been provided
+with a new check traveling suit, and a hat of a
+different style from the one he was accustomed
+to wear.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Moreover, Lyman had no thought of meeting
+the country boy in a western city. So he turned
+his glance in a different direction, and descended
+the steps that led to a basement pool and billiard
+room.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would follow him down there, if I dared
+risk discovery," thought Mark. "However, it is
+none of my business what he does, as long as he
+doesn't annoy his uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor would have been glad to see
+Mark, or any one else representing his uncle.
+The sum he had brought away with him had
+nearly all melted away, and his prospects were
+by no means brilliant. The thought of engaging
+in any employment by which he might earn an
+honest and independent livelihood was by no
+means attractive to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In the afternoon of the second day Mark started
+by train for Claremont, and arrived at the Claremont
+Hotel in time for supper.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He found Claremont to be a fair sized town,
+containing perhaps four thousand inhabitants.
+It seemed to be growing rapidly, like most western
+towns favorably situated. After a comfortable
+supper he bethought himself of whom he could
+make inquiries as to the object of his journey.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>As he sat in the office, a tall man, with long
+hair, and a look of speculation in his eyes accosted
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you just arrived in town, young man?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you calculatin' to settle here?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; I am only here on a little business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Drummer, I reckon!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; I do not represent any business
+house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You do look rather young for a drummer,
+but you said you were travelin' on business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My business is of a different nature, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just so! if I can help you, I will. I am Colonel
+Enoch Tarbox, well-known hereabouts."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you for your offer. If you will allow
+me, I will ask you one or two questions."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Go ahead, young man; I'm ready to give
+you any information in my power."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am in search of a family named Ransom,
+who lived here some years ago."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Ransom?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't find him; he's dead."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I have heard. Did you know him or his
+wife?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've drank with John Ransom many a time
+at this very bar. He was rather fond of a social
+glass."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you know his wife?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've seen her often. She's dead too. They
+both died of a fever."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose they had no children," said Mark,
+putting the question anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me see," said the colonel slowly, evidently
+searching his memory; "yes, I believe there was
+a child, a little boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is he alive?" asked Mark eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There you've got me, stranger. Children
+ain't much in my line. I never heerd of Ransom's
+child dying. I reckon it left town though."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where could I get any information about it,
+do you think?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Colonel Tarbox reflected.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I reckon you'd better go to Mrs. Finn; she
+was intimate with Mrs. Ransom. She lives in
+the little white cottage alongside of the Presbyterian
+church."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Colonel Tarbox; I am much indebted
+to you for what you have told me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't mention it. Won't you take a drink?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This kind offer Mark declined rather to the
+colonel's dissatisfaction. He decided to call upon
+Mrs. Finn the next day.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch24' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIV. <br /> WHAT MARK DISCOVERED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>As</span> the clock on the Presbyterian church struck
+nine, Mark stood knocking at the door of the
+little cottage hard by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The door was opened by a comely woman of
+middle age, who, not recognizing Mark, looked
+at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can I do for you?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My name is Mark Manning," said Mark, introducing
+himself. "I have been directed to
+you as likely to give me some information about
+Mrs. Ransom, who—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes," interrupted Mrs. Finn, not waiting
+for Mark to finish his sentence. "Poor dear!
+I know all about her. Come in, do!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She led the way into the neat sitting-room,
+where she invited Mark to be seated. Then she
+changed parts with Mark and began to ask questions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you related to Mrs. Ransom?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No," answered Mark, "but I come from one
+who is."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Alas, it is too late! The poor woman is dead."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know that, but did she leave a child?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, a little boy. She sat great store by
+little Jack."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what has become of him?" asked Mark,
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is more than I can tell. A tall gentleman—I
+don't rightly know his name—appeared
+at the funeral, said he was a relation, and took
+off little Jack to St. Louis, I think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A tall gentleman—a relation!" repeated
+Mark, surprised. "What was his appearance?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was destined to be surprised, for Mrs.
+Finn's description tallied exactly with the appearance
+of Lyman Taylor. This was a surprising
+discovery. Mark was sharp enough to guess
+that Lyman's object was to remove from his
+path any rival claimant to his uncle's property,
+supposing him to possess any.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I know who you mean," he said, after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was it really a relation of Mrs. Ransom?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If it was the one I suppose, it was her cousin."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad to hear it. Then poor Jack was
+taken care of."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not sure about that," said Mark, gravely.
+"Though a relative, he is a selfish, bad man, and
+I am afraid he meant the poor boy no good."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good gracious!" exclaimed Mrs. Finn,
+startled, "you don't think he would murder the
+innocent child?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't think that, but I think he wanted
+to put him where his grandfather would never
+find him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is it his grandfather you come from, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he does not even know of his grandchild's
+existence, but if I find him, the boy will
+never need any other protector. Can you tell me
+anything of Mrs. Ransom—of her husband?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor Mrs. Ransom was a sweet woman, who
+deserved a better fate. As for her husband, he
+was a drunkard, and a loafer. Those are hard
+words, but he deserved them both. They hadn't
+much money, but what there was he spent for
+liquor at the hotel yonder. More than once his
+poor wife and little child wouldn't have had any
+breakfast if I hadn't taken some over."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>And warm-hearted Mrs. Finn wiped away a
+tear.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did her husband treat her very badly? Did
+he beat her?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid he did when he was very far gone,
+but, poor thing! she never complained. She
+always looked sad, though, and she didn't enjoy
+her life very much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did she ever speak of her father?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Once only. She told me she had ill-treated,
+him, and been a disobedient daughter. I think
+it was in marrying Ransom."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did she ever write to him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She told me she did once, but never received
+an answer. 'He won't forgive me,' she said, with
+a sigh, and never wrote again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am sure he did not receive the letter, Mrs.
+Finn. If he had, he would have noticed it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so; at any rate she was sadder than
+ever when no letter came to her in return. Finally,
+her husband took sick with a fever. Bad as he
+had been to her, she nursed him like a devoted
+wife as she was. But she couldn't save him.
+Hardly was he dead, when she, too, caught sick,
+and in the end she died. While she was sick I
+took little Jack home, for fear he would catch the
+fever too. I was thinking of adopting him after
+his mother's death, when the man I spoke of called
+and took away the boy, saying he would provide
+for him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And that was—how many years ago?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nearly six, I think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I suppose you have neither seen nor
+heard of him since?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Finn shook her head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where does little Jack's grandfather live?"
+she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Near New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is he a rich man?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Moderately rich. He is well able to take care
+of his grandson, if he could find him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wish I could tell you more, I am sure," said
+Mrs. Finn heartily. "If the poor boy yet lives,
+Heaven knows what his condition may be. If
+you could find the man that took him away——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then why don't you go to him, and ask him
+where to find the child?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because it is against his interests to have
+him found. He and the little boy are the only
+heirs to the grandfather's property. His uncle
+has good reason to dislike him, and if the boy is
+found, Lyman Taylor will get nothing, I feel sure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, well! What wickedness there is in the
+world!" ejaculated Mrs. Finn. "What will you
+do?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know. I shall have to consider."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did the grandfather send you out here?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Excuse my remarking that you are very
+young to undertake such a responsible task."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so myself, Mrs. Finn," Mark answered,
+modestly. "But it so happened that he hadn't
+much choice. I shall do my best, and if I can't
+find him, I shall go home and report, and advise
+Mr. Taylor to send an older and more competent
+person."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't be offended by what I said?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly not. Any one would think as you
+do. Is there any other information you can give
+me, Mrs. Finn?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Finn shook her head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid not," she said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are sure the boy was carried to St.
+Louis?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite certain."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I might go to St. Louis, but without any clue
+I am afraid I should stand little chance of succeeding."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You might advertise."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is true," said Mark. "Indeed, it appears
+to be the only thing I can do. How old
+would the boy be now?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About eight years old, I think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark took out a small memorandum book, and
+noted down the small amount of information he
+had obtained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It did not appear to be much, and yet it was of
+great importance. He had ascertained that Mrs.
+Ransom had left a child, and moreover that
+Lyman Taylor had been aware of the fact, and
+had conspired to keep its existence from old
+Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he know where it is now?" Mark asked
+himself.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was inclined to think not. Shortly after
+the boy was carried away, Lyman had gone East,
+got into trouble, and served a term of some years
+in a prison.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>During those years, probably the boy had
+drifted out of his knowledge. Doubtless he could
+furnish a clue, but for obvious reasons, it would
+not do to apply to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am very much obliged to you for your information,"
+said Mark, as he rose to go.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are heartily welcome, sir. Would you
+mind writing me, if you find out anything about
+poor Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will certainly do so, Mrs. Finn. I shall lose
+no time in going to St. Louis."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Heaven speed you, and bring you success,"
+said Mrs. Finn, fervently.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch25' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXV. <br /> THE LITTLE MATCH BOY.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Matches</span>! Matches! Here's your nice
+matches!" was heard in a shrill treble, proceeding
+from a little boy on Clark Street, in Chicago.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He looked thin and pale, and it was easy to
+see the poor little fellow was poorly fed, as well
+as ill-clad.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only five cents a package!" the little fellow
+continued to cry; and he looked wistfully in the
+faces of those who passed him, hoping for a possible
+purchaser.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Clear out of my way there, you brat!" said
+a rough voice. "Do you want to take up the
+whole sidewalk?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boy shrank timidly, as the man who had
+addressed him swaggered by. He would not
+have dared to resent the rudeness, but another
+did. It was a stout, and healthy-looking woman,
+with a large basket on her arm, whose heart
+warmed towards the poor little match boy, sent
+out so early to earn his livelihood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You ought to be ashamed to speak to the
+poor boy that way!" she said, warmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mind your business, woman!" retorted Lyman
+Taylor, for it was he whose rough speech
+had been quoted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I always do," said the woman. "It's my
+business to speak my mind to such brutes as
+you!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman vented his wrath in a volley of oaths,
+for his language was by no means choice, when
+his anger was excited. He might have been
+more prudent, if he had known that a policeman
+was just behind.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Stop that, my man, unless you want me to
+take you in!" said the burly officer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor turned sharply round, but
+quailed when he saw the officer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This woman has insulted me," he said, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I just spoke to him for abusin' that poor
+match boy," said the good woman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard it all," said the officer. "Move on,
+my man, and behave yourself, if you don't want
+to get into trouble."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Such a scene was sure to attract a small crowd.
+One kind-hearted man drew out a dime from his
+pocket and handed it to the match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here, my lad," he said; "take this, and
+I hope it'll do you good."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here are two boxes of matches for you, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, keep them. I give you the money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here's another dime," said a young man, of
+literary aspect. He was a reporter on one of the
+Chicago daily papers, who, in spite of the cases of
+poverty and privation that came under his notice
+every day, still preserved a warm and sympathetic
+heart.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then a lady followed his example, and in the
+end, the match boy had received a sum much
+larger than the value of his small stock-in-trade.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor's rudeness had proved to him a
+piece of good luck, in opening the hearts of those
+who would otherwise have passed him by without
+notice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Smiling with pleasure at the child's good fortune,
+the good woman who had resented Lyman's
+rudeness so warmly, went on her way. If all
+had hearts as warm, there would be little misery
+or suffering in the world. It is often those who
+have little, that are most ready to help others
+poorer than themselves. I must not omit to add,
+that among the contributors to the little match boy's
+fund was the policeman, who placed a
+nickel in his hands, with the admonition to
+"brace up and be a good boy!" This was true
+charity, for out of his salary the officer had to
+support a large family of his own, and therefore
+had very few nickels to spare. He was bluff of
+aspect, but kind of heart.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's a shame to send out such a child on the
+streets," he said to himself. "Think of my Rob
+having to lead such a life!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The policeman looked sober, for, should anything
+happen to him, as in his exposed life might
+very well happen, he knew not what would be
+the fate of his little ones. They might be as
+badly off as the poor match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The little match boy's thin face showed signs of
+satisfaction as he looked at the collection of small
+coins which had been given him by the pitying
+crowd. He turned into an alleyway and counted
+it. It amounted to seventy-six cents. This was
+a phenomenal sum for the small merchant. And
+the best of it was, he had his stock of merchandise
+left.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>A thought entered the little boy's mind,
+prompted by his craving for food.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would it be wrong for me to take a little of
+this money and buy me some dinner?" he said to
+himself. "I am <i>so</i> hungry. Aunt Peggy only
+gave me a slice of bread for breakfast, and it's
+most two o'clock now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Only a slice of bread, and he had been walking
+about for hours, trying to sell matches. The
+fruit of all his labor was the sale of two boxes at
+five cents each. But he had seventy-six cents
+besides, and they were his. They had not been
+given to Aunt Peggy, but to him. So, at least,
+he reasoned. Not that he meant to keep it all
+himself. He intended to give the greater part to
+the woman who was the only guardian he knew,
+but he thought he had a right to use fifteen
+cents for himself. It wasn't much, but he knew
+a place—a cheap place—where for this sum he
+could get a cup of coffee and a plate of beefsteak.
+At the thought of this delicious repast the match
+boy's mouth watered. When had he eaten
+meat? Three days ago Peggy had given him a
+bone to pick. There was not much on it, but
+when he had got through with it there was none
+at all.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny could not resist the temptation. He
+suspended sales, and made his way to a cheap
+restaurant on a side street. With eager steps he
+entered, and sat down at a wooden table from
+which nearly all the paint had been worn off, and
+scanned the bill of fare.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It seemed to him that there was nothing better
+than the dish he had already mentally selected.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>A greasy looking waiter approached, and said
+sharply, "What'll you have, kid?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Cup o' coffee an' plate of beefsteak!" answered
+Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sure yer got money enough to pay for it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have asked for it if I hadn't," said
+Johnny, emboldened by his unusual wealth.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, then! Sometimes chaps come in
+and order their dinner, and skip off before it
+comes time to pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The greasy looking waiter went to the back of
+the room, and soon returned with the banquet
+Johnny ordered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He set it down with a jerk.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch26' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVI. <br /> LUCK FAVORS LYMAN.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>No</span> patron of Delmonico's probably ever contemplated
+his sumptuous meal with more satisfaction
+than shone in the little match boy's eyes,
+as he gazed with watering mouth at the overdone,
+tough-looking steak, the mashed potato,
+the three slices of stale bread and dab of butter,
+which furnished the solid material of his meal.
+A cup of muddy coffee completed the bill of fare.
+After all, appetite is the best sauce, and Johnny
+had appetite enough to make his meal seem
+palatable.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny did not stand upon ceremony, but
+"pitched in." It is not an elegant expression,
+but it describes accurately the energy with which
+the boy disposed of his dinner. Ten minutes
+sufficed for its entire disappearance. There was
+not even a crumb left.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That was bully!" said Johnny to himself,
+with a sigh of supreme satisfaction "I wish I
+could have such a lay out every day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But he evidently thought this was unattainable
+happiness. He did not even think of reserving
+from his little fund, enough to provide a similar
+feast on the following day—partly because he was
+an honest little fellow, and partly because he
+stood in fear of the burly woman whom he called
+Aunt Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have Aunt Peggy know I've been
+here for something," he thought.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There seemed little chance of it, but, as ill
+luck would have it, as he was emerging from the
+restaurant, a boy he knew passed with a blacking-box
+on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you been doin' in there?" asked
+Tim Roach. "Been havin' yer dinner?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I just got a little to eat," answered Johnny,
+ill at ease.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Got any more money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then just treat a feller, won't yer? I'll do as
+much for you to-morrer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't, Tim, the money isn't mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't, you mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would if the money belonged to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does Peggy know yer went in there?" asked
+Tim, slyly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't tell her, Tim! I was <i>so</i> hungry."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then treat!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't, Tim!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right!" replied Tim, nodding. "I'll let
+Peggy know how you spend her money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Poor Johnny! These last words alarmed him
+terribly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor's stock of money was getting
+low. He was not a good financial manager. But
+even if he had been, he would not have been able
+long to live without work. When his stock of
+ready money was reduced to five dollars, he began
+to consider anxiously where he could obtain
+a further supply. It is not strange that his
+thoughts should have reverted to his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if Uncle Anthony is well fixed or
+not. He got considerable money in California,
+but may have lost it. The old man is close-mouthed,
+and I can't worm the secret out of him.
+If I had any hold on him——" continued Lyman,
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He sauntered along till he came to a pool-room,
+connected with a cheap hotel, of the kind he
+was in the habit of frequenting. No one chanced
+to be playing, and by way of filling up the time
+he took up a St. Louis paper, and ran his eye
+listlessly over it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But at one place in the advertising columns,
+his listlessness suddenly vanished, and his face
+assumed a look of eager interest. This was the
+advertisement that attracted his attention:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>Information Wanted.</span>—Any one who can
+give information concerning a child named Jack
+Ransom, who was brought to St. Louis a little
+more than five years since, is desired to communicate
+with Mark Manning, at the Planters' Hotel.
+The boy, if living, is now seven or eight years of
+age."</p>
+<p class='c013'>"Well, I'll be——hanged!" ejaculated Lyman
+Taylor. "How, in the name of all that's mysterious,
+has my uncle got hold of a clue to little
+Jack's existence?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he's sent that country cub—Mark Manning—out
+to investigate. He must be crazy to
+trust a green boy, who has always lived in the
+country.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But what beats me, is how he learned so
+much. I did take the boy to St. Louis, and
+placed him with an old woman, who very likely
+has starved or beaten him to death by this time.
+But suppose she hasn't," continued Lyman, after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose the child is still living. If I could
+only find out, then I would have the hold on my
+uncle that I require. I would kidnap the boy,
+and not part with him under a good round
+sum."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman's face brightened, but only for an instant.
+It was a capital scheme, but how was he
+to get hold of the boy? How did he know if he
+were living?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He would have been amazed if he had known
+that he had seen the boy that very day, selling
+matches in the streets.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There was one thing, however, that seemed
+clear to Lyman. His uncle must still have a
+comfortable property, or he would not be able to
+send a messenger to St. Louis in search of his
+lost grandson.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The old man may have twenty thousand dollars,
+for aught I know," reflected Lyman; "and
+doesn't spend the income of half that as he lives
+now. No doubt that country boy has an inkling
+of it, and is planning to get hold of it. That boy
+is foxy, and knows what he is about, I'll be
+bound."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This estimate did not exactly agree with the
+one Lyman had recently expressed of Mark, but
+he did not think it necessary to be consistent.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Twenty thousand dollars!" he repeated, and
+his nephew almost starving here in Chicago. Oh,
+it was a cunning scheme to buy me off for a paltry
+sum, and give a free field to that boy. That's
+a pretty way for a man to treat his only living
+relation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But who could have put it into his head that
+his grandson was alive? I presume the little
+beggar has kicked the bucket before this. If I
+only could get hold of him, I would make the
+old man pay handsomely for his return."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The chances, however, did not seem very flattering,
+and Lyman had no money to expend in
+searching for the boy, apart from the doubt
+whether he was still living. Gradually a new
+idea came to him. He might pick up some boy
+who would answer the purpose, whom he could
+palm off on his uncle as his grandson. True, it
+would be raising up a rival heir; but he was thoroughly
+persuaded that in no case did he himself
+stand any chance of succeeding to his uncle's
+property.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be worth something," he muttered,
+"to cut out that country boy. All I have to do,
+is to find a boy who is without relatives, and I
+can concoct some story that will impose upon
+Uncle Anthony. That little match boy, for
+instance! Why wouldn't he do?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman became so excited by his castle building,
+that he determined to lose no time in carrying
+out his design. He left the tavern, and
+retraced his steps to the place where he had encountered
+the match boy. Johnny, after eating
+his dinner, had resumed his business, and was
+within a block of the same place offering his
+wares to the passers by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was a little worried by Tim's threat to
+expose his extravagant dinner to the old woman
+with whom he lived, but persistently refused to
+buy off his persecutor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I say, little boy, what's your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny turned round at these words, and recognized
+in the man addressing him, the one with
+whom he had already had trouble. His face
+showed the fear which he not unnaturally felt.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be frightened, my boy!" said Lyman,
+with an ingratiating smile. "I am afraid I was
+rough to you this morning. Don't mind it! I
+was worried about my business affairs, and
+didn't mean what I said. Shake hands, and let
+us be friends."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>With rather a bewildered look, Johnny allowed
+Lyman to take his small, thin hand, and looked
+perplexed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, you don't harbor no malice, my lad,
+do you?" said Lyman with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No—o," answered Johnny, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The fact is, I feel an interest in you, my boy.
+You look like a little cousin of mine that I
+haven't seen since he was a baby."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny was more and more puzzled. The
+neglected little match boy was not used to such
+attention.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you ever live in St. Louis?" asked Lyman,
+at a venture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman opened his eyes in surprise. He had
+not expected such an answer. Even then he did
+not suspect that Chance had led him to the very
+boy whom he desired to meet.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you any father or mother?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny could not understand why his questioner
+should be pleased to hear that he was an
+orphan. Lyman Taylor seemed to him a very
+incomprehensible man. He felt rather uncomfortable
+in his presence, and hoped the man would
+go away, and leave him to attend to his business.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who do you live with, then, sonny?" was
+Lyman's next question.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With my aunt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is your aunt's name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I always call her Aunt Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"<span class='sc'>What?</span>" exclaimed Lyman, in a tone that
+made the little match boy jump. "You live
+with an old woman named Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is she your aunt?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose so. I always call her Aunt Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's the very boy!" was Lyman's exulting
+thought. "I'm in luck at last. Lyman, old
+man, your plans are going to be realized."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Were you ever called Jack?" he asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; that's what Aunt Peggy calls me.
+Other people call me Johnny."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My boy," said Lyman, fervently, "I can't
+tell you how glad I am to see you. I am sure
+now you are my little cousin. Where does Peggy
+live?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The match boy named the place—a poor street
+in a poor neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take me there at once. I want to see your
+Aunt Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But Peggy will be mad if I don't stay and
+sell matches, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come along; I will make it right with her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman took the little boy's hand, and the two
+turned off Clark Street, and went in pursuit of
+Peggy.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch27' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVII. <br /> OLD PEGGY.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Tim Roach</span> was not only selfish, but liked
+to make mischief. He resolved to be revenged
+upon Johnny for declining to "treat" him to a
+dinner, and having plenty of time on his hands,
+took pains to seek out the humble home tenanted
+by old Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was on the third floor of a tall, shabby brick
+house, not far from the Chicago and Alton depot.
+Tim had been there before, and didn't require directions.
+He ascended the rickety staircase,
+nearly treading on two dirty faced children
+belonging to a neighbor of Peggy's, who were
+playing on the landing. As a third child, older,
+made her appearance, Tim stopped long enough
+to inquire, "Is Peggy at home?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the girl. "She's home, but,
+oh my, ain't she tight!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's nothin' new," said Tim, composedly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He knocked at Peggy's door, and receiving no
+answer, opened it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The old woman had thrown herself on a
+truckle bed at one corner of the room, and was
+breathing noisily with her eyes half closed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is it you, Johnny!" she asked, without turning
+her head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, it's me!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tim Roach."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you want?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've just seed Johnny, Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has he sold many matches? Where is
+he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I seed him in an eatin' house. He was eatin'
+a bully dinner."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What!" exclaimed Peggy, now thoroughly
+roused, raising herself on her elbow. "What's
+that you say, Tim Roach?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tim, quite enjoying the commotion he had
+raised, repeated his information.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he's spendin' my money in fillin' his stomach,
+the little wretch!" exclaimed Peggy.
+"That's why he brings home so little money. The
+ungrateful little imp that I've slaved and slaved
+for these last six years, takin' advantage of a poor
+old woman when her back's turned! Where
+was it, Tim, dear?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tim mentioned the restaurant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what was he eatin', Tim?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He ordered a cup o' coffee and beefsteak—I
+don't know what else he had."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll learn him to chate and decave me!" said
+the old woman, angrily. "He only brought
+home twenty-five cents yesterday, and I takin'
+care of him, and buyin' him close and vittles."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess he buys some dinner every day," said
+Tim.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I never to suspect it! Tim, dear,
+you're a good boy to come and tell me. You
+wouldn't treat your best friend that way?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I wouldn't!" said Tim, virtuously.
+"What are you goin' to do to him, Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where's my stick, Tim? Do you see it anywhere?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't," answered Tim, after a search.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Some of them children downstairs must have
+carried it off."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can buy you a cane for ten cents."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And where would the ten cents come from I
+would like to know. I'll bate him wid my fists,
+the ongrateful young kid."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are you goin' to give me for tellin' you,
+Peggy?" asked Tim.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll give you a penny the next time I see
+you," said Peggy, vaguely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That isn't enough. Give me a nickel to buy
+a glass of beer?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I haven't got it, Tim. I wish I had, for I'm
+awful dhry myself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have come all the way to tell you
+if I'd know'd that," said Tim, discontentedly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Just then a noise was heard on the stairs, and
+Tim, opening the door wider, looked out.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here's Johnny now, Peggy!" he said in excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come home the middle of the afternoon, too,
+the young rascal!" ejaculated the old woman.
+"I'll fix him!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So here you are, you young——," commenced
+Peggy, as Johnny made his appearance, but the
+threat with which she was about to conclude,
+died in the utterance, when she saw that Johnny
+was closely followed by a tall man of middle age.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who are you, sir?" she asked irritably, "and
+what brings you here? If you're the agent, I
+haven't got any money for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you remember me, Peggy?" asked
+Lyman, sinking with rare courage into a chair
+which cracked under his weight.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir, I don't. If I had my glasses, perhaps——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I see you've got company, Peggy," continued
+Lyman, with a significant look at Tim. "I
+would like to speak to you alone. It'll be to
+your advantage, mind," he added, detecting a
+suspicious look on the old woman's face. "Just
+send the two boys out to play, and we'll speak
+together."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"First, hand over what money you've got,
+Jack," said Peggy. "I ain't goin' to have you
+wastin' it outside. Let me see your matches!
+How many boxes did you sell?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Five," answered Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only five!" exclaimed the old woman, holding
+up her hands. "You were playin' in the
+strates, I'll be bound!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I wasn't, Aunt Peggy. I tried to sell
+more, but——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, yes, I understand! And you'd done so
+well you thought you'd buy yourself a dinner
+off my money. Come here and let me shake
+you!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tim told you!" said the little boy, with a reproachful
+look at his betrayer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, he told me, and he was a good bye for
+doin' it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He said he'd tell if I didn't buy him some,
+too."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is that threu?" asked Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hark to him!" said Tim, with virtuous indignation.
+"It's a lie, and he knows it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you spend all the money, Jack?" demanded
+Peggy. "If you did——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I didn't, Aunt Peggy. Some good people
+gave me some money, and——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was for me, then. How dared you spind it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've brought most of it home, Peggy. See
+here!" and Johnny took out a handful of small
+silver coins and pennies, and poured them into
+the old woman's lap.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy was agreeably surprised. She saw that
+there was nearly a dollar, much more than Johnny
+generally brought home, and it put her in a good
+humor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You've done well, Jack!" she said. "I won't
+grudge the money you spent for a bit of dinner.
+Now go out and play wid Tim."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't want to play with him. He told on
+me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My lad," said Lyman, "can't you bring a
+bottle of beer for your good aunt and myself.
+Here's money; you can bring back the change."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You go, Jack, for the gentleman," said
+Peggy, quite restored to good humor. "I don't
+mind sayin' that my throat is just parched with
+bein' so dhry."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny went out, and soon returned, for he
+had not far to go. In spite of his company being
+so unwelcome, Tim went and returned with
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Won't you give me a little, Peggy," he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I won't. You wanted Jack to trate you
+on my money. Now clear out, and never let me
+see your ugly face here ag'in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's the thanks I get for tellin' you!"
+complained Tim. "And after runnin' myself
+out of breath, too!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Clear out wid you! And you, Jack, go back
+and see if you can't sell some more matches. It's
+only the middle of the afternoon, and there's
+plenty of time before sunset to sell half-a-dozen
+boxes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny obeyed, not unwillingly, for he was not
+partial to home, nor did he enjoy Peggy's company.
+Tim accompanied him, but Johnny, gentle
+as he was, refused to have anything to say to
+him. Tim felt that he was badly treated.
+Johnny turned his back on him, and Peggy had
+utterly failed to acknowledge the service he had
+rendered her. Tim was of opinion that it was a
+cold world, and that there was little encouragement
+to be virtuous.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch28' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVIII. <br /> LYMAN'S PLAN.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Here's</span> your health, Peggy!" said Lyman,
+emptying his glass.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir!" said Peggy, following his
+example. "You're very kind, I'm sure, and I
+ought to remember you, but my memory ain't
+what it was."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you don't remember me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't remimber that I iver set eyes on your
+face before, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you don't remember the man that
+brought you a small child to take care of near
+six years ago?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure it's himself!" ejaculated the old woman,
+peering curiously into Lyman's face. "I
+only saw you twice, and that's why I forgot.
+Shure it was a cruel thrick you played upon a
+poor old woman, when you gave her a baby to
+take care of, and then, five long years never sent
+her even a penny. It's hundreds and hundreds
+of dollars I've spent on little Jack, and he no kin
+to me!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No doubt he has been brought up in the lap of
+luxury! He looks like it," said Lyman with an
+amused smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And now you've come to pay me all I spent
+on the child?" insinuated Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, not just yet. The fact is, Peggy, unavoidable
+circumstances prevented my communicating
+with you, and the same won't admit of my
+paying over the hundreds of dollars that Jack has
+cost you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then what do you want of me?" inquired the
+old woman disappointed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I can see a way by which both of us
+can make something out of the boy. By-the-way,
+it strikes me just at present that he is supporting
+you instead of you taking care of him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He only brings in a few pennies a day," said
+Peggy. "Shure it's hardly enough to pay his
+salt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then Jack must be immoderately fond of salt.
+However, I'll let you into a secret. His grandfather
+is looking for him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"His grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; no doubt you are surprised that Jack
+possesses a grandfather, but that is a fact. His
+grandfather is my uncle, and what is more to the
+purpose he has a fair property."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And little Jack is goin' to be rich?" gasped
+Peggy in amazement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, I don't know! That depends on
+whether we allow his grandfather to find him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And why shouldn't he? Wouldn't he be
+givin' a big reward?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is where you come to the point, my good
+Peggy. If he will make it worth our while, we
+may restore him to the old gentleman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And how much would he be givin', d'ye
+think?" asked Peggy, her bead-like eyes sparkling
+with greed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder, Peggy, if you might get a
+hundred dollars out of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A hundred dollars—after my takin' care of
+the boy ever since he was a babby. Now you're
+jokin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you see, his grandfather isn't a rich
+man—" explained Lyman, fearing he had unduly
+raised the expectations of the old woman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You said he was!" retorted Peggy sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I said he had a comfortable property—for a
+country town. That means a few thousand
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He sha'n't have him for such a thrifle,"
+snapped Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The police might take him from you, without
+your getting a cent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How would they know, unless you told 'em?"
+asked Peggy suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, Peggy!" said Lyman in a conciliatory
+tone. "We've got to stand by each other
+in this thing. Just leave the matter in my hands,
+and I'll manage it as well as I can. I'll get as
+much money from the old gentleman as I can."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you'll give me half?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course—that is, after necessary expenses
+are paid."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what am I to do then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing, except to stay here, and see that
+nobody gets hold of Jack. Does he know who
+he is?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He thinks I'm his aunt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And is proud of the connection, no doubt,"
+said Lyman, who could not restrain his tendency
+to sarcasm. "Well, perhaps that is as well.
+Don't let any one know that it is not true. We
+can keep quiet till the time comes to make it
+known. Now, I'll leave you, and take the first
+step by writing to my uncle. Good afternoon,
+Peggy! I'll call again in a day or two."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Couldn't you leave me a dollar or two before
+you go?" whined Peggy. "Me health is very
+poor, and I can't work, and it's only a few pennies
+the boy brings in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're better off than I am," said Lyman
+curtly, "for I am out of employment and I have
+no boy to bring me in pennies. I don't know but
+I'd better take Jack at once, and then you won't
+have to take care of him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll kape him," said the old woman hurriedly—for
+she had no wish to lose the income the match
+boy brought in, small as it was. "I'll kape him,
+for he's used to me life, and he's happier here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you like, Peggy!" returned Lyman
+with a smile at the success of his stratagem.
+"I'd help you if I could, but I'm almost at the
+bottom of my purse as it is. I'll see you again in
+a day or two, and report progress."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've done a good day's work," reflected Lyman,
+as he picked his way downstairs, nearly slipping
+on a piece of orange peel on one of the steps.
+"It was a piece of good luck, my finding Jack so
+soon after seeing that St. Louis paper—but I must
+write an effective letter to my uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman went to the Sherman House, and entering
+the writing-room procured a sheet of note
+paper, and penned the following note:</p>
+<div class='c017'>"<span class='sc'>Chicago</span>, <i>September 7, 18—</i>.</div>
+
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>My Dear Uncle</span>:</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"I am afraid you are feeling anxious about me,
+and I will therefore relieve your affectionate solicitude,
+by saying that I am well in health, but
+low—very low in pocket. It costs more to live in
+Chicago than in Pocasset, and the sum of money
+with which you provided me is nearly gone. As
+I am a little afraid this hint won't be sufficient to
+open your heart, let me add that I can make it
+worth your while to be generous.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"It has come to my knowledge that you have
+sent out Mark Manning in search of your grandson.
+How you came to suspect that my cousin
+left a boy I can't imagine, but I don't mind telling
+you that you are correct. She did leave a
+boy, whose name is Jack Ransom. He is now
+about eight years of age. I know where he is
+and can lay my hands upon him at any moment.
+Whether I will or not depends on how you propose
+to deal with me. Of course it isn't to my
+interest that the boy should be found, as outside
+of him I am your natural and legal heir. I know
+that Mark Manning is scheming to get possession
+of your property when you are gone, but I am
+sure you wouldn't throw it away on a stranger,
+when your brother's son is living.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"Now, Uncle Anthony, I am going to make you
+a proposition. Bear in mind, if you please, that I
+am the only one who can restore little Jack to you.
+Only one other person knows about him and she
+never heard of you, and doesn't know Jack's last
+name. If you will guarantee me five thousand
+dollars within three months, two thousand being
+cash down, I will myself bring on little Jack, and
+place him in your arms. Now, I am sorry to say
+that the boy has a miserable home, and is scantily
+supplied with the necessaries of life. A miserable
+career of poverty and perhaps crime, awaits him
+unless you come to my terms. Let me know as
+soon as possible what you propose to do.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"A letter directed to me at the Chicago post-office
+will reach me safely.</p>
+<div class='lg-container-b c018'>
+  <div class='linegroup'>
+    <div class='group'>
+      <div class='line'>"Your affectionate nephew,</div>
+      <div class='line'>"<span class='sc'>Lyman Taylor</span>."</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>Anthony received this letter in due time, and
+deemed it of sufficient importance to warrant a
+visit to New York. He wished to lay it before
+Mr. Hardy, and ask his advice.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch29' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIX. <br /> MARK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>My</span> good friend," said Mr. Hardy, "have you
+any reason to think your nephew's statement is
+to be relied upon?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so," answered Anthony. "I am getting
+to be an old man, and I should like to feel
+that some one of my own blood would survive
+me, and profit by a part of the competence which
+God has bestowed upon me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It may be simply a money-making scheme on
+the part of Lyman," said the agent, thoughtfully.
+"Finding that he has little chance of becoming
+your heir, he wants to secure a handsome reward
+for restoring to you your grandson. Why has he
+not proposed it before?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because he did not know I had any property
+to leave, or else because he supposed his own
+chances of inheriting good. After the last interview
+with me, he probably lost the hope of profiting
+by my death."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is something in what you say, Mr.
+Taylor. What is your own idea?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would give five thousand dollars, if necessary,
+to secure the return of my grandson. It
+would give me an object to live for."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should be exceedingly sorry to see that sum
+pass into the hands of such a rascal as your
+graceless nephew."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you offer two thousand?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would hold no serious negotiations with
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I would run the risk of leaving the poor
+boy to a life of poverty, and myself to a lonely
+old age."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My idea is this. I will telegraph to Mark
+Manning, who is now in St. Louis, the particulars
+of your nephew's offer, with instructions
+to go at once to Chicago, find out Lyman, and
+put a detective on his track. If his story is
+true, he probably visits the boy from time to
+time. In this way it can be discovered where
+the boy lives, and steps can be taken to secure
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I approve of your plan," said Anthony. "Let
+it be carried out at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There will be this advantage," added Hardy.
+"Your enterprising nephew will not realize any
+benefit from his nice little scheme for trading upon
+your affections."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do as you think best, my good friend. Your
+judgment is always better than mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John Hardy rapidly penned the following despatch.</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>Mark Manning</span>, Planter's Hotel, St. Louis:
+Go at once to Chicago and find Lyman Taylor.
+He knows where child is. Employ a detective,
+and track him to boy's residence. Don't let him
+suspect your object. Keep me apprised of your
+progress.</p>
+
+<p class='c019'><span class='sc'>John Hardy.</span>"</p>
+<p class='c013'>This despatch reached Mark within two hours.
+He had been in St. Louis several days, and had
+learned nothing. Two or three persons had called
+upon him with bogus information in the hope of
+a reward, but he was sharp enough to detect the
+imposition. He was beginning to despair of
+success when Mr. Hardy's telegram was received.
+Mark brightened up. He saw his way clearer
+now.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He went out to purchase a ticket for Chicago,
+and on his return found a second telegram in
+these words:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"Lyman admits knowledge of boy, and offers
+to restore him for five thousand dollars."</p>
+<p class='c013'>"I will endeavor to thwart Mr. Lyman Taylor,"
+said Mark to himself. "He is a greater rascal
+than I thought."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark paid his bill and took the next train for
+Chicago. He arrived late, and registered at the
+Fremont House, where he prepared himself for
+the difficult work that lay before him by taking
+a good night's rest. In the morning he awoke
+hopeful and determined, and after breakfast
+went out to walk. He had no clue to the where-abouts
+of Lyman, but thought it possible he
+might meet him as he had done before in the
+streets.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He walked about for two hours, keeping his
+eyes wide open, but though he scanned many
+hundreds of faces, that of Lyman Taylor was
+not among them. Yet his walk was to be more
+successful than he anticipated.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Little Jack still continued his street trade of
+selling matches. Peggy was not willing to give
+up the small revenue she obtained from the boy's
+sales. Sometimes, also, a compassionate passer-by
+would bestow a dime or nickel on the boy,
+pitying him for his thin face and sad expression.
+Sometimes, if Tim were not by, he would buy a
+cheap lunch, for the scanty rations which he received
+from Peggy, left him in a chronic state of
+hunger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was fortunate that the poor boy indulged
+himself thus, or his feeble strength would hardly
+have held out against hunger and hard work
+combined.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Unwittingly Jack had made an active enemy
+in Tim Roach. His refusal to treat, Tim persuaded
+himself, was very mean, and his indignation
+was increased by the ill-success of his attempt
+to secure pay for the information given to
+Peggy. He was anxious to be revenged upon
+Jack, and was only waiting for an opportunity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Malice generally finds its opportunity after
+awhile. One day Jack set down his basket of
+matches a moment while he ran into a shop to
+change a twenty-five cent piece. Tim was close
+at hand, and slyly secured the basket, and fled
+swiftly through a narrow passage-way with his
+booty. He had not only secured a stock of merchandise,
+but he had got Jack into trouble.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Jack came out and found his basket
+gone he was in dismay.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who took my basket?" he inquired of an
+applewoman, who kept a stand close by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There was a bye here just now—bigger than
+you. He must have run off wid it when my back
+was turned away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did he go?" asked Jack, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't mind."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What was he like?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure I've seed him here afore wid you.
+You called him Tim."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was Tim Roach!" exclaimed Jack. "He's
+a mean boy. He took it to get me into trouble."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure he looks like a thafe."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The tears started to Jack's eyes.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know what to do," he said, piteously.
+"I am afraid Peggy will beat me when I get
+home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is Peggy?" asked a new voice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack looked towards the speaker. He saw a
+pleasant-faced boy, apparently about sixteen.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She's the woman I live with," answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What will she beat you for?" asked Mark,
+for it was he. He had just come up, and hadn't
+heard of Jack's misfortune, but his heart was
+stirred to sympathy, by the sadness visible upon
+the little boy's face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For losing my matches," and thereupon Jack
+told his story to his new acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much were the matches worth?" asked
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There were fourteen boxes. They cost me
+three cents a piece. Then there was the basket.
+That cost a quarter."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know where to buy more?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then take this dollar bill, and get a new
+supply."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack's little face glowed with gratitude.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, how kind you are!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you generally stand here?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does this Peggy send you out every day?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is she related to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I thought she was my aunt," answered the
+match boy, "but last evening a gentleman called
+on Peggy, I heard them talking when they
+thought I was asleep," Jack continued in a lower
+tone. "I heard the gentleman say I had a grandfather
+living at the East, and that he would pay
+a good sum to get hold of me. I wish he would,
+for Peggy doesn't give me enough to eat, and
+sometimes she beats me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tell me about this gentleman," said Mark in
+excitement. "Is he tall?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With black hair and whiskers?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know his name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; but there he is now!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark followed the direction of the boy's
+finger, and he recognized, though his head was
+turned, the familiar form of Lyman Taylor on
+the opposite side of the street.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch30' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXX. <br /> MARK MAKES ARRANGEMENTS WITH JACK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> excitement was at fever heat. In the
+most wonderful manner he had succeeded almost
+without an effort. He could not doubt that this
+boy was the very one of whom he was in search.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was apprehensive that Lyman would turn,
+and on recognizing him penetrate his design and
+arrange to defeat it. But fortunately the object
+of his dread appeared to have other business in
+hand and kept on his way, never turning back.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How old are you?" he asked, thinking it best
+to make assurance doubly sure.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Peggy says I'm goin' on eight," answered
+the match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is the right age," thought Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you always lived in Chicago?" he continued.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; Peggy brought me from St. Louis
+when I was a very little child."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you don't remember much about
+St. Louis?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't remember it at all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What does Peggy do for a living?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing much," he answered; "she says she
+isn't well enough to work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Surely she does not depend wholly upon what
+you earn?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know. Sometimes she gets money in
+a letter. I think it comes from her son."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then she has a son?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where does he live?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I saw one of his letters once. It said Fall
+River on the wrapper. I think he works in a
+factory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fall River is a city in Massachusetts. I have
+never been there, but I hear that they have factories
+there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you can read writing?" asked Mark after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, a little."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I suppose you can read books and
+papers?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little. I went to a primary school for a
+little while, and afterwards a lady used to hear
+my lessons. She lived in the same place with
+us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you like studying?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ever so much. I should be happy if I could
+go to school again, but Peggy says I know enough,
+and she needs me to earn my living."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know the name of that gentleman
+you pointed out to me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't think I heard Peggy mention his
+name."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long has he been in the habit of coming
+to see you and Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has only been there two or three times.
+Peggy didn't remember him at first. I think
+they used to know each other a good while
+ago."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose this gentleman's story were true,
+and you had a grandfather at the East who could
+take good care of you, would you be willing to
+go to him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would he be kind to me? Do you know
+him?" asked the little fellow eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I know him, and I am sure he would be
+very kind to you. Would you be willing to leave
+Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered little Jack promptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How does she treat you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I bring home a good bit of money, she pats
+me on the head and says I am a good boy, but if I
+am not lucky she is very cross, and sometimes she
+beats me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark's sympathies were aroused. Jack was so
+small, and weak in appearance, that it seemed to
+him revolting to think of his being at the mercy
+of a cruel old woman. Half unconsciously his
+fist doubled up, his teeth closed firmly together,
+and he just wished he had the merciless Peggy in
+his power.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is Peggy temperate?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack looked at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does she drink?" Mark asked, changing the
+form of his question.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She drinks beer, and sometimes whiskey,"
+answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does she get—drunk?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sometimes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How does it affect her?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It makes her sleepy or cross. I always
+run away when she has been drinking—when
+I can, but sometimes she locks the door and
+fastens me in. Then, if I can, I hide under the
+bed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor boy! you have a hard time of it. Now,
+Jack, can you keep a secret?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack nodded, and his face assumed a cunning
+look, for the poor boy had more than once felt
+obliged to practice dissimulation, in the rough
+school in which he had been trained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he answered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I am going to tell you a secret. Your
+grandfather sent me out here to find you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He sent you!" ejaculated Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I thought he sent that gentleman—the
+one I pointed out to you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; that gentleman, as you call him, is your
+mother's cousin. He is a near relation of yours."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But he spoke to Peggy about carrying me
+back to my grandfather."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has an object in view. He won't give you
+up to your grandfather unless he gets a large sum
+of money. I suppose he has promised to give
+Peggy some of the money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I heard him promise Peggy a hundred
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark smiled.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I think he is going to cheat Peggy," he
+said. "He wants five thousand dollars for himself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why, that is a good deal more than a hundred
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it is fifty times as much. Did Peggy
+seem to be satisfied with a hundred?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; she said it was very little, but he said
+perhaps my grandfather would give her as much
+as that every year."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is evident he proposes to take the old
+woman in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care, if he will only take me back to
+my grandfather. Will he give me enough to
+eat?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My poor child, are you hungry?" asked Mark,
+compassionately.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I think I am always hungry," sighed
+Jack. "Peggy says I eat too much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't look much like it. Now Jack, one
+thing more. Would you be willing to leave
+Peggy, and go to New York with me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you take me to my grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; that is just what I want to do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am ready to go now," said Jack, putting
+his hand confidingly in Mark's.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is well, but it will be better to wait till
+to-morrow. What time do you get up in the
+morning?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About eight o'clock. It isn't any use to go
+out too early."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And at what time do you come here, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About half-past eight or nine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I will meet you to-morrow, somewhere
+about that time, and I will have tickets ready to
+take us to New York. We can catch the ten
+o'clock train. There isn't any danger of Peggy
+keeping you, is there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not unless she thinks I am goin' to run
+away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She mustn't suspect that. We must be sure
+to keep that from her. I suppose you have no
+other clothes than those you have on?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will hunt up a clothing-store, and get you
+fitted out before we start. I shouldn't like your
+grandfather to see you in that ragged suit."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack looked down at his jacket, frayed, tattered
+and greasy, and said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've often wished I had nice clothes like that
+boy," and he pointed out a boy of about his own
+age, dressed in knickerbockers.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You shall have your wish to-morrow, Jack.
+Now I suppose you had better go and buy some
+more matches, so that Peggy won't suspect anything."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You'll be sure to meet me to-morrow, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And don't let Peggy suspect from your looks
+that anything is going on."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Everything looks favorable," thought Mark
+as he walked slowly to his hotel. "To-morrow
+at this time Peggy and the worthy Lyman will
+be mourning for a lost boy."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch31' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXI. <br /> JACK TALKS IN HIS SLEEP.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Jack</span> was naturally very much excited by the
+new prospects that opened out before him. He
+had seen little happiness in his short life. It is a
+sad thing to say that he had hardly ever known
+what it was to eat a full meal. Cold and pinching
+privation, and long, toilsome days in the
+streets, had been his portion hitherto. Was it
+possible, he asked himself, that all this was to be
+changed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Was he to have a home like other boys, and a
+relation who was able to supply him with the
+comforts of which he knew so little?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It seemed like a dream, and little Jack might
+have been tempted to distrust the information
+which had been given to him. But somehow he
+could not help feeling confidence in what Mark
+told him. He felt that Mark would not deceive
+him, and the dream must come true after
+all.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack finished out the day as usual, and went
+home. Peggy's attention was at once called to
+the new basket.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did that come from?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My basket was stolen, and a kind gentleman
+gave me money to buy this." Jack answered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was the matches stole too?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he gave me money enough to buy as
+many as I lost."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who stole 'em? Do you know?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it was Tim Roach. He was hangin'
+round, at the time I lost it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he snatch it from you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I laid it down a minute while I went into
+a cigar store to get a quarter changed for a gentleman
+who had just bought a box of matches, when
+Tim picked it up and ran away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'd like to get hold of Tim!" said Peggy
+wrathfully. "I'd wring his neck for him, the
+little wretch!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then a new and cunning idea came to Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I tell you what to do, Jack," she said; "just
+you go out to-morrow mornin' without any basket,
+and begin to cry, and tell people that you've
+had your matches stolen. Then somebody'll give
+you money, and you can bring it home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But that would be tellin' a lie, Peggy," objected
+Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what if it is!" retorted Peggy. "You
+needn't be so dreadfully good. It ain't a lie
+that'll hurt anybody, and the gentlemen that
+gives you the money won't miss it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It occurred to Jack that it would suit his plans
+to go out the next morning without the basket.
+Considering how he had been brought up, his
+conscience was unusually tender, and he would
+not have liked to leave the city without returning
+the basket and his stock-in-trade to Peggy. Besides,
+she could have him arrested for theft, if
+she chose. He decided, therefore, that he would
+make no further objection to Peggy's proposal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you say, Peggy," he said, submissively.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a good boy!" said Peggy, good-humoredly.
+"That's a pretty good snap!" she said to
+herself, complacently. "I don't know why we
+shouldn't foller it up. It'll be more than the
+profit of the matches, and Jack can do it two or
+three times a day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It did, indeed, seem a very ingenious method of
+raising money, and answered the purpose of
+begging, without being open to the usual objection.</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p220.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>The old woman drawing near the pallet, strove to catch the words that fell from the boy's lips.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack usually got tired with being about the
+streets all day, and after he had eaten the frugal
+supper with which Peggy had provided him, he
+lay down on a pallet provided for him in the
+corner of the room, and was soon asleep. But
+with such a momentous secret on his mind, it
+will not be a matter of surprise that Jack's
+thoughts, even in sleep, were occupied with his
+new plan. Whenever he was restless he was apt
+to talk in his sleep, and did so on the present
+occasion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy had not gone to bed, but sat in an old
+wooden rocking-chair, smoking a pipe.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's the boy sayin'?" she asked herself,
+as Jack began to talk. "I'll listen, and then if
+he's been up to any mischief, he'll out with it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She removed the pipe, and drawing near the
+pallet, bent over, and strove to catch the disconnected
+words that fell from the boy's lips.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm goin'—to—my grandfather!" she heard
+Jack say, and the words startled her.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's been talkin' to him about his grandfather?"
+Peggy exclaimed, startled. "I didn't
+know he'd heard a word about him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says—he will—take me!" continued Jack,
+in a drowsy tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says he'll take him!" repeated Peggy, in
+surprise and alarm. "Who's he, I'd like to
+know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Her suspicions fell at once upon Lyman. No
+one, so far as she knew, had any knowledge of
+Jack's relations except Lyman. Evidently Lyman
+had been talking to the boy on the sly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The villain!" said Peggy, indignantly; "I
+know what he's up to. He wants to get the boy
+away from me, and get all the reward himself.
+He's going to leave Peggy out in the cowld, and
+abduct the boy on the sly. I've found him out,
+the artful schamer. So he thinks he can over-rache
+ould Peggy, does he? He'll find it's a
+cowld day when ould Peggy gets left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack began to talk again.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says he'll take me off in the cars," he
+continued. "I like to ride in the cars. My grandfather
+will give me enough to eat, and I won't
+have to sell matches for a livin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The ongrateful young kid," commented
+Peggy, looking angrily at the sleeping boy. "So
+he wants to lave me who've took care of him
+ever since he was a babby, and he don't mind it
+no more'n if I was a puppy dog. <i>I</i> that have
+been a mother to him!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy rocked back and forward, and actually
+persuaded herself that little Jack was very ungrateful.
+It is curious how we misrepresent
+matters from our own point of view. It was
+Jack who had supported Peggy, and she was far
+more indebted to him than he was to her, but
+somehow she could not see it. She did, however,
+understand fully how unpleasant it would be to
+lose Jack's services, unless she could receive, as
+Lyman had led her to expect, an adequate compensation
+from his grandfather.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy deliberated as to what was best to be
+done. In the first place, she wanted to find out
+for a certainty whether Lyman had really entered
+into a conspiracy against her and meant to
+abduct Jack without her knowledge or consent.
+It seemed on the whole, the best thing to get up
+herself and follow Jack the next morning, and
+make sure that Lyman did not have a secret conference
+with him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Jack was ready to start out the next
+morning, Peggy asked with apparent carelessness,
+"Jack, dear, do you ever see the tall gentleman
+that calls here sometimes?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Peggy; I saw him yesterday," answered
+Jack, readily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what did he say to you?" she asked
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He didn't speak to me at all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a lie!" Peggy said to herself. "He
+told the bye not to tell." But she didn't think it
+best to charge Jack with it, and so through him
+put Lyman on his guard.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Remember, lad, you've got no better friend
+than ould Peggy. If you should lave her, she'd
+die of grafe."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Peggy," said Jack, but he was
+not much impressed by this declaration of affection
+from one who often beat and systematically
+starved him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Five minutes after Jack had left the house,
+Peggy threw on her old cloak, and, at a safe distance,
+followed her youthful charge, meaning to
+keep him under her eye, and watch lest he
+should be carried off by Lyman Taylor. But
+luckily for Jack, whose meeting with Mark would
+otherwise have been detected, she changed her
+plan, when she recognized a little in advance
+Lyman himself on State Street.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It'll be better to watch him," she decided,
+and gave up following Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Meanwhile Jack had not been at his usual
+stand more than ten minutes, when Mark came
+up.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you are ahead of time, Jack," he
+said. "Come along with me."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch32' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXII. <br /> JACK IS PURSUED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Are</span> you goin' to take me away to-day?"
+asked Jack, who wished to be assured that the
+dream was coming true.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Jack, but I can't take you away as you
+are. I know a place near by where you can take
+a good bath. I will leave you then, and go
+round by myself and buy you some clothes. I
+can guess your size."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He led the way to a barber's shop which advertised
+baths, procured a ticket, and leaving Jack
+with strict injunctions to wash himself thoroughly,
+sallied out in search of an outfit for his
+young companion. That did not take long. He
+returned with two good sized bundles, and requested
+Jack to dress himself in them. When
+Jack emerged from the bath-room he was quite
+transformed. He was still thin, and his features
+looked pinched, but his dress was, in all respects,
+that of a boy belonging to a well-to-do family.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now I think I must have your hair cut, and
+you will do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In truth, Jack's long, elf-like locks made his
+face appear even thinner than it really was.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you want to be shaved, too, young
+man?" asked the barber, jocosely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he wants to be shaved," said Jack,
+pointing to Mark, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark colored a little, realizing that he scarcely
+needed that operation any more than Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now look at yourself in the glass, Jack!"
+said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack obeyed, and looked first bewildered, then
+pleased. He thought at first that he was looking
+at another boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is that me?" he inquired, almost incredulously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it is. Peggy wouldn't know you,"
+answered Mark, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't want her to," answered the little
+boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had forgotten one thing—a pair of shoes.
+As he scanned Jack critically, he noted the omission,
+and said, "Jack, we must go to a shoe
+store. It will never do for a young gentleman
+like you to wear a pair of shoes out at the toes
+and sides."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They don't look very well," said Jack, with a
+downward look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As you may be taken for my son," said Mark
+gravely, "I want you to look well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're only a boy!" said Jack, who was inclined
+to a literal understanding of what was told
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You wouldn't take me for twenty-five, then,
+Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, you're not that, are you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, not quite."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They had not far to go to a shoe store, but it
+took some time to get fitted to a pair of shoes, on
+account of Jack's having a high instep. This
+delay came near wrecking their plans. Tim
+Roach, who usually passed his time in roaming
+about the streets, without any special occupation,
+caught sight of Jack as he entered the shoe store
+with Mark. He let his eye rest upon him carelessly
+at first, but his indifferent glance was soon
+succeeded by a look of the most intense amazement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My eye!" he exclaimed, "if that isn't little
+Jack dressed out like a prince! What's happened,
+I wonder, and who's that with him? I
+jest wish he'd rig me out that way."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tim did not make himself known, but peered
+curiously in at the door of the store.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder whether Peggy knows about it?"
+he soliloquized. "I don't believe she does.
+Wouldn't she open her eyes to see the kid rigged
+out that way. I'd like to tell her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Circumstances seemed to favor the gratification
+of this wish, for not many rods away he caught
+sight of Peggy and Lyman Taylor talking together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll go and tell her," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>We will precede him and relate what had
+taken place between the two schemers. Peggy
+had started out with the confident belief that
+Lyman had played her false, and meant to carry
+away Jack without her knowledge or consent.
+It did, indeed, look as if she were correct, for it
+must be remembered that she knew nothing of
+Mark's mission to Chicago, Lyman not having
+thought it necessary to tell her. She wanted to
+meet Lyman and "have it out with him," if she
+found any confirmation in her suspicions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman chanced to turn, and seeing Peggy
+with her eyes fixed on him, retraced his steps till
+he reached her.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you want to see me, Peggy?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I wanted to see you, Mr. Lyman Taylor,
+and ask what you mane by tryin' to stale away
+the bye from me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman stared at her in surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know what you mean," he answered,
+with a shrug of his shoulders. "I thought it
+was understood that we would restore the boy to
+his grandfather if he would make it worth our
+while."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you didn't mane to take away the bye
+without my knowin' it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly not. Who told you so?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you haven't told the bye about goin'
+back to his grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I haven't spoken a word to the boy on the
+subject."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then how did he know about it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he know about it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy then told her companion about what she
+had overheard Jack say in his sleep the night before.
+Lyman Taylor was surprised and alarmed,
+and these feelings were so evident on his face that
+Peggy acquitted him of any breach of faith.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't understand it," he said, meditatively.
+"I have never spoken a word about the matter
+except in your room. Did you ask him about it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I asked him when did he see you, and he said
+yesterday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He might have seen me, but I had no conversation
+with him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he said."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He told the truth. I don't think any harm
+is done, Peggy. He must have overheard what
+we were talking about when we supposed him
+asleep."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's true. Maybe he did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That won't interfere with our plans that I
+can see. I have written to my uncle and expect
+to hear from him in a few days. I will let you
+know what he says as soon as I get the letter."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then it was that Tim Roach came up, looking
+preternaturally knowing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How are you, Peg?" he said. "Are you
+walkin' wid your beau?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Go away wid you! You're always botherin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You'd orter see what I did jest now," said
+Tim, wagging his head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What did you see, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I seed your Jack rigged out like a prince in
+new clothes and a new hat. Didn't he look
+fine?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You saw Jack dressed that way?" gasped
+Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're lyin' now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wish I may die if I didn't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where was he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In Simpson's shoe store, pickin' out a nice new
+pair of shoes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How could the boy get all these things without
+money?" asked Lyman incredulous.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There was a big boy wid him was buyin' the
+things."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A big boy!" repeated Lyman quickly; "how
+old was he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Maybe sixteen or seventeen."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>An expression, full of dismay, overspread Lyman
+Taylor's face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is Mark Manning!" he exclaimed. "Quick,
+boy, tell me where he is."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In Simpson's shoe store."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And who is Mark Manning?" asked Peggy
+bewildered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The boy his grandfather sent out here to find
+him. It's he that has been telling Jack about his
+grandfather. Quick, Peggy! we must go and
+stop him, or he'll take Jack away and leave us
+out in the cold."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The ill-matched pair hurried to the place indicated
+by Tim.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch33' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIII. <br /> MARK ELUDES HIS PURSUERS.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Little</span> Jack had been fitted with a pair of shoes,
+and Mark had settled for them, when the little
+boy chancing to look towards the entrance of the
+store, was almost paralyzed by the sight of Peggy
+and Lyman looking in at the window. His eyes
+were good, and he could read on Peggy's face a
+malicious exultation, which boded ill for him when
+he should again find himself in her clutches.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, who had not seen them, noticed the fear
+upon the face of his little charge.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's the matter, Jack?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's them!" answered Jack, hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's them?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Peggy—and the gentleman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where are they?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Looking in at the winder."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had his wits about him, and did not turn
+round. He wished Peggy and her confederate to
+think themselves undiscovered, while he rapidly
+considered what was best to be done.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Should he leave the store by the front door,
+Jack would at once be pounced upon by Peggy,
+and there would be a scene.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He might eventually recover Jack, but in the
+meantime the boy would be ill-treated, stripped
+of his good clothes, and perhaps carried out of the
+city. Just as success seemed assured, he was
+confronted by defeat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>What was to be done?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was not a boy to give in, unless compelled
+to do so. An idea came to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Jack," he said in a low voice, "don't look towards
+the window again. Don't let them know
+you have seen them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't let Peggy get hold of me!" said
+the boy in a trembling voice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not if I can help it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Turning to the salesman who had waited upon
+him, Mark said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There are some people at the door that I want
+to avoid meeting. Is there any back entrance to
+the store?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the clerk.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you be kind enough to guide us to it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't look behind you, Jack, but come with
+me. Don't be alarmed!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The salesman guided them to a door opening on
+a narrow street. Boxes of goods were so piled up,
+that this door could not be seen from the window
+into which Peggy and Lyman were looking.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where are they going?" Peggy asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To look at some goods in the back part of the
+store," answered Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This reassured Peggy, who kept her position,
+feeling sure that Jack could not escape her when
+he came out.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll sell his new clothes," she thought complacently.
+"I'll be in luck after all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Once out of the store, Mark looked about him.
+He felt that it behooved him to get beyond the
+reach of Jack's pursuers as soon as possible.
+Circumstances favored him. Just at the head
+of the street, he saw a lady descend from a hack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hurry up, Jack," he said. "We'll get into
+this cab."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The driver was about to drive away, after
+settling with his fare, when Mark hailed him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you unengaged?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can you drive me at once to the Union
+Depot in Van Buren Street?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He dismounted from the box, opened the door
+for his next passengers, and they got in. Then
+resuming his place on the box, he drove rapidly
+away.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It so chanced that he passed by the front of
+the very store from which they had just emerged.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Little Jack stole a glance out of the window of
+the cab.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's Peg!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Following his example, Mark also caught sight
+of the two with their faces glued to the window,
+still looking in, unconscious that their prey had
+escaped them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark smiled. He felt like a victor, and rather
+enjoyed the thought of having outgeneraled the
+fox.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope they'll have a good time watching for
+us, Jack," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The little boy still felt nervous.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think they'll catch me?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, Jack, I think they'll get left this time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The cab made its way rapidly through the
+crowded streets, and in a very short time drew
+up at the Union Depot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark paid the driver, and accompanied by
+Jack, made his way to the ticket office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How soon will there be a train East?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In ten minutes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That will suit us, Jack."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He bought tickets, and, the cars being ready,
+they took their seats in a comfortable car of the
+Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If they should come here!" suggested Jack,
+nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They would have to run fast, if our train
+leaves on time. There is no danger, Jack.
+Even if they suspect that we have left the store,
+they wouldn't know where we are gone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Still, even Mark felt relieved and reassured
+when the signal was given and the long train
+began to steam out of the depot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wouldn't you like to go back and bid Peggy
+good-by?" he asked, jocosely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope I shall never see Peggy again," answered
+the little boy, shuddering.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you ever do, there won't be any danger of
+her doing you any harm. Your grandfather will
+take care of that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In his hurry to leave the city, Mark had been
+compelled to leave his bill at the hotel unpaid,
+but his valise was left behind as security. At
+the first opportunity he telegraphed to the land-lord,
+promising to remit the necessary money,
+and asking him to hold the valise till instructed
+where to send it by express.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>We will now go back to Peggy and Lyman,
+who were impatiently maintaining their watch
+at the window of the shoe store.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When fifteen minutes had passed, and Jack and
+Mark did not appear, they became alarmed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where are they?" muttered Peggy. "It's
+long enough they are stayin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right, Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Just then a policeman tapped him on the
+shoulder. He had been watching them for some
+time and their conduct seemed to him suspicious.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are you doing here, my man?" he
+asked, suspiciously. "You had better move
+on."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We are waiting for some one to come out,"
+answered Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long do you mean to wait? Is this
+woman with you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Lyman, reluctantly, for he
+was not proud of his companion, whose appearance
+was hardly calculated to do him credit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure, my little bye has been shtole," she put
+in, "and he's in the store now wid the man that
+shtole him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you'd better go in and claim him
+instead of standing here and blocking up the
+sidewalk."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I will follow your advice," said Lyman.
+"Will you be kind enough to stay here a
+minute, in case I need your help?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well; only be quick."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman entered the store, and failing to see
+Jack and Mark, addressed one of the salesmen.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Two boys were in here a short time since,"
+he said; "one large one and one small one. Can
+you tell me where they are?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It happened that the salesman addressed was
+the same one who had guided the boys to the
+back entrance. At least fifteen minutes had
+elapsed, and there would be no danger in telling
+the truth.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They went away some time since," he answered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They did not go out the front door, for I've
+been there all the time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's another door," quietly retorted the
+clerk.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where?" asked Lyman, in dismay.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In the rear of the store."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sold, by thunder!" exclaimed Lyman, under
+his breath. "How long have they been gone?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fifteen minutes. Were they friends of
+yours?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The small boy was my son," answered Lyman,
+unblushingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And was the woman I saw with you at the
+window his mother?" asked the salesman, with
+a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly not," answered Lyman, coloring
+with indignation. "The older boy has abducted
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why didn't you come in sooner, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wish I had."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Great was Peggy's dismay when Lyman told
+her what he had learned. She had fully decided
+to beat Jack soundly, and now she was baffled
+of her revenge. The two confederates spent the
+rest of the day in wandering about the streets of
+Chicago in search of Jack and his friend, but
+their search was in vain.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch34' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIV. <br /> MRS. MANNING'S HOUSE IS SOLD.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>It</span> is now time to return to Pocasset and inquire
+how our old acquaintances are prospering.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was still a matter of wonder what had become
+of Mark. Mrs. Manning gave no information,
+and no letters were received at the post-office
+which would throw light on the mystery.
+Mark, by arrangement, directed all his letters to
+Mr. Hardy, who inclosed and forwarded them
+to the Pocasset office. Tom Wyman, the postmaster's
+son, was puzzled to account for the
+letters received from New York by Mrs. Manning.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They must be from Mark," said James Collins.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They don't seem to be in Mark's hand-writing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He probably gets some one to direct them for
+him, so as to throw dust in our eyes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was the conclusion upon which the two
+boys finally settled.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Another cause of wonder was the hermit's
+visits to the city. Since he had heard that his
+grandson was living, he went up often to consult
+with Mr. Hardy. Family affection in him had
+not died out. It had only been dormant, and
+now it was thoroughly reawakened.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I long to see my daughter's boy," he said.
+"It will give me something to live for. I tremble
+lest the cup of happiness should be dashed
+from my lips, just as my hopes are awakened."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be anxious, old friend. Your affairs
+are in good hands. Mark is only a boy, but he
+has far more discretion and fidelity than most
+men. Do you know what I have in view?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he succeeds in this enterprise I propose,
+with his mother's permission, to take him into
+my office, and train him up in my business. I
+have hitherto employed boys simply as boys, but
+Mark is one whom I can train up for a responsible
+position. I am getting older every year, and
+when I am really old, I shall be glad to have a
+young man at my side upon whom I can shift
+the burden of my business. Do you think his
+mother would object?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mrs. Manning is a sensible woman. I think
+she will be glad to have her son so well provided
+for. If it is necessary I will myself advise her to
+commit him to your charge."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At length a telegram came from Mark, and by
+good luck when Mr. Taylor was in the office of
+his agent. It ran thus:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>John Hardy, New York.</span></p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"I am on my way to New York with little
+Jack. Particulars when we meet.</p>
+<div class='c017'>"<span class='sc'>Mark Manning.</span>"</div>
+<p class='c013'>"There, old friend, what do you say to that?"
+asked John Hardy, triumphantly. "Didn't I
+tell you the boy would succeed? Was my confidence
+misplaced?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He had my confidence from the first," said
+Anthony, his face luminous with happiness,
+"but I knew he had an adroit enemy in my
+nephew Lyman. I didn't dare to expect that a
+country boy would be equal to the emergency."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now, you can go home with a light heart. In
+a day or two, your grandson will be with you.
+What are your plans respecting him? Shall you
+take him to Pocasset?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think I can do better. He will need a
+woman's care, and I know of no one who will
+prove kinder than Mrs. Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She has this in her favor at any rate. She
+has brought up her own boy well. But will the
+house be large or comfortable enough?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not very particular for myself. You
+will judge that when you remember the cabin in
+the woods, where I spent several years. The
+house is small, however, but there is another
+vacant, much larger and handsomer, which I can
+buy or rent, already furnished. The owner and
+occupant died recently, and his heirs, living in a
+distant state, want to sell it. It has a handsome
+lawn and a garden attached. It stands near the
+house of Mr. Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you are able to gratify your own taste
+in the matter. I will send Mark down as soon as
+he arrives."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Anthony reached home, he found Mrs.
+Manning anxious and perturbed. The cause will
+require some explanation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The small cottage in which Mark and his
+mother lived did not belong to them. They
+rented it from Deacon Brooks, an old farmer living
+just out of the village, at five-dollars monthly
+rental. For a special reason Squire Collins desired
+to possess it. He owned the lot adjoining,
+and it occurred to him that the two combined
+would make a desirable property. The house,
+which was a cottage, could be raised one story,
+and made much more commodious. In that case,
+it would easily command more than twice the
+rent. The foreman of the shoe-shop stood prepared
+to rent it of him, as soon as the alteration
+was made.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He therefore approached Deacon Brooks, with a
+proposition to purchase it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know," said the deacon. "I never
+thought of sellin', but I can't say I'm opposed to
+it. I'm getting good rent from the widder Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's no knowing, deacon, how long she'll
+be able to pay her rent," said the squire, nodding
+with a meaning look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sho! you don't say! She ain't lost any
+money, has she?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She had none to lose. Her boy Mark has
+about supported her with his small earnings in
+the shop. But he isn't employed there any
+longer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard something of that. Did you discharge
+him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he got too uppish—wasn't willing to
+obey orders. I was sorry to discharge him on his
+mother's account, but it was his own fault."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seems to me I haven't seen him round the
+village lately?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; he has gone to the city on some wild-goose
+expedition. My boy James thinks he is
+blacking boots or selling papers. As to that I
+can't say, but it isn't likely he is able to help his
+mother much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear Mrs. Manning has a boarder?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; it's the old hermit that lived in the
+woods. I believe he has a small pension from
+some relations, but it doesn't amount to much.
+Probably he doesn't pay more than two or three
+dollars a week board. That won't go far, eh,
+deacon?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're right there, squire. It costs a sight to
+live. How much do you think my grocery bill
+came to last month?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know," answered the squire, with a
+curious smile. The deacon had the reputation of
+being very close-fisted, and it was rather amusing
+to hear him speak of the cost of living.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fifteen dollars and sixty-seven cents," said
+the deacon, with the air of one who hardly expected
+to be believed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I believe you have six in family," said Squire
+Collins, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, six, including the hired man."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I pity your family," thought the squire, who,
+at all events, kept a liberal table.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it costs a great deal to live," he added,
+"and, of course, the Widow Manning, though her
+family is small, can't live on nothing. When
+she finds she can't pay all her bills, she will probably
+begin by being remiss in her rent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's so, squire! She's allus paid so far
+right up to the handle, though."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When she had Mark's help; but as I told you
+he is not now in a condition to help his mother.
+Well, what do you say? Shall I have the
+house?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then commenced the bargaining. Both parties
+were sharp, but at length a conclusion was
+reached. Squire Collins agreed to pay eight
+hundred and fifty dollars for the cottage, five
+hundred to remain on bond and mortgage, at six
+per cent. In a day or two the necessary papers
+were made out, and then Squire Collins took a
+walk over to the cottage, to inform Mrs. Manning
+that the house had passed into his possession, and
+it would be necessary for her to find another
+home.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It might have been supposed he would feel
+some compunction, but he did not have much feeling
+or sympathy for the widow. The ill-feeling
+between Mark and his son had its effect upon
+him also.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch35' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXV. <br /> NOTICE TO QUIT.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>There</span> are some men who enjoy the prospect
+of dealing a blow, and watching the effect—men
+whose best feelings have been deadened, and who
+have lost all sympathy for those less fortunate
+than themselves. That Squire Collins was a
+man of this kind will not seem strange to those
+who have followed the course of this story. He
+set out for Mrs. Manning's cottage with a comfortable
+complacency, though he knew that the communication
+he had to make would bring her great
+trouble and sorrow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Quite unconscious of the impending blow, Mrs.
+Manning was sitting at the front window engaged
+in sewing, while her thoughts were with
+her absent boy, whom she seemed to miss more
+and more as his absence lengthened. Casually
+looking up from her work, she saw with considerable
+surprise the dignified figure of Squire Collins
+turning in at her gate.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can bring the squire here," she thought.
+She was not in the habit of receiving or expecting
+calls from her aristocratic townsman, and
+concluded that he must have some special object
+in calling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Perhaps he had come to offer to take Mark
+back into the shop. If so, it might be the best
+thing for her son. She knew very little of old
+Anthony's circumstances, and she did not anticipate
+any permanent position for Mark from
+that quarter.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Squire Collins," she said, politely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," he responded,
+somewhat stiffly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Won't you come in?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you; I will step in for a few minutes,
+I have a little business to speak of."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It must be that he means to take Mark back
+into the shop," thought the widow, cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She led the way into the plain sitting-room,
+and invited the village magnate to take a seat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ahem! your son Mark is away?" remarked
+the squire, inquiringly. This confirmed Mrs.
+Manning in her conjecture as to the squire's
+errand.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," she answered; "but I think he will be
+at home before long. I miss him a great deal."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose he can't make a living in New
+York," thought the squire. Rather fortunately
+he didn't inquire where Mark was, since this
+would have embarrassed Mrs. Manning, who
+knew that it was a secret not to be mentioned,
+and yet would have been reluctant to offend the
+squire by withholding the information.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably he will be as well off at home," said
+the squire. "I don't believe much in boys leaving
+home on wild-goose expeditions. They think
+it perfectly easy to earn a living elsewhere, but
+they are pretty apt to reap only disappointment."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I dare say you are right, squire," said Mrs.
+Manning, leading up to the subject of a return to
+the shop; "but there didn't seem to be anything
+for Mark to do at home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins understood her object, but had
+no intention of offering employment to Mark.
+He looked at the widow with a peculiar smile,
+and enjoyed the disappointment which his next
+words were calculated to bring.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I dare say Mark can hire out to some good
+farmer," he replied, indifferently. "Farming is
+a good healthy business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning sighed, for she rightly interpreted
+that no place in the shop was to be offered
+to Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ahem!" said the squire, changing the subject;
+"you have a boarder, I understand?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; Mr. Taylor makes his home with us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A sensible move on his part. It was a
+strange thing to live in the woods by himself so
+many years. I hope he will be able to pay his
+board."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He pays regularly every week," answered
+the widow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I presume he's quite poor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark thinks he has considerable money, but
+I have no means of judging, except that he pays
+his bills promptly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark is an inexperienced boy," he said. "The
+truth is, as I understand, old Anthony receives
+a small pension from some relatives in New York.
+It can't be much, but I hope, for your sake,
+that he has enough to pay his board."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning began to wonder whether this
+was what Squire Collins came to talk about. She
+was soon more fully informed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long have you lived in this cottage,
+Mrs. Manning?" asked the squire.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ten years, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You hire of Deacon Brooks?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ahem! I came here this morning to acquaint
+you with the fact that I have just bought the
+property."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has Deacon Brooks sold to you?" asked the
+widow, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; the papers have passed, and the transfer
+has been made. I am now the legal owner."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be glad to keep the house, Squire
+Collins, if you have no other views," said Mrs.
+Manning. "I have been paying five dollars a
+month rent, and if that is satisfactory——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The fact is, Mrs. Manning," interrupted the
+squire, "I <i>have</i> other views. I intend to raise
+the house a story, and have promised to rent
+it, when completed, to my foreman, Mr. Lake,
+who contemplates marriage. He is boarding at
+present, as you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning was very much disturbed. It is
+no light thing to be forced to leave a house which
+has been one's home for a period of ten years,
+especially in a country town where surplus houses
+are generally scarce and hard to find.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know where I can go," said the
+widow, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No doubt you'll find some place," said the
+squire, carelessly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How soon do you want me to vacate the
+house, Squire Collins?" asked Mrs. Manning,
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At the end of the month."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But that is only a week from to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite true."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is a very short time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It ought to be time enough, Mrs. Manning,"
+said the squire, stiffly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would be willing to pay a little higher rent
+if you would allow me to remain, Squire Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite out of the question, Mrs. Manning.
+Indeed, I will say that I think you already pay
+all you can afford to. I doubt whether you will
+be able—with Mark out of employment—to keep
+up your present rent. As I understand, about
+all your income comes from a boarder, whose
+means must be extremely limited, and who, in
+all probability, will end his days in the alms-house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know of any other house in the
+village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you can think it over; of course that is
+your own affair, not mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If Mark were only at home," said the perplexed
+woman; "I would know better what to
+do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You had better send for him then. Good
+morning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins rose and left the presence of the
+widow whom he had made thoroughly anxious
+and unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In the course of the afternoon old Anthony
+came home. He was looking unusually jubilant
+and happy, in direct contrast with the widow's
+anxious face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mrs. Manning," he said, "I bring you good
+news."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad of it, sir, for I have only bad news."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what is your bad news?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I must leave this house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How is that?" asked the hermit, looking
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because it has been sold. Squire Collins has
+bought it, and says that he is intending to enlarge
+it, and then let it to Mr. Lake, his foreman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And that is all your bad news?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; but I consider it bad enough. I
+don't know where I can go."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will let you have my cabin in the woods
+rent free," said the hermit, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know but I shall have to go there,"
+said the widow, sighing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't ask me what my good news is,"
+said Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would like to hear it, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By day after to-morrow Mark will be home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning's face did brighten up at this
+intelligence.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This is really good news," she said gladly.
+"Mark will advise me what to do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark will not come alone. Do you think,
+Mrs. Manning, you can accommodate another
+boarder?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is it, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little boy. I don't care to keep it secret.
+It is my grandson."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your grandson?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I sent Mark out West to find him. He
+has succeeded in his mission, and the two are now
+on the way home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be glad to take him, sir, if I have anywhere
+to receive him. Squire Collins's visit has
+rather upset me, and I don't know what to do, or
+where to turn."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If your only trouble is about a house, I will
+undertake to find one for you. Don't borrow any
+trouble on that score."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I don't know of any house that will come
+within my means."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid, Mrs. Manning, that you haven't
+confidence in me. I tell you again, not to borrow
+any trouble. I may as well tell you that this
+house will not be large enough for your increased
+family, and that I intended to propose to you to
+take another."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The widow's anxiety was somewhat relieved.
+Still she could not help wondering what house
+old Anthony would succeed in finding. There
+was one comfort. In two days Mark would be at
+home, and would be able to help him.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch36' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVI. <br /> THE HERMIT SECURES A HOUSE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>A short</span> distance from the house occupied by
+Squire Collins was one which had been for six
+months vacant. It had been erected as a summer
+residence by a New York gentleman, and
+occupied by him for several seasons. It was the
+finest house in the village, and it seemed a pity it
+should remain untenanted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Beech, the builder, now spent his summers
+at various watering-places, and had apparently
+tired of Pocasset. It was understood that the
+house was left in the hands of Mr. Thompson,
+who was authorized to let it to a responsible
+tenant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony the next morning made it in his
+way to call at the office of Mr. Thompson. The
+latter received him with his usual courtesy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear that you are boarding with Mrs. Manning,
+Mr. Taylor," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think you must find it much more agreeable
+than your life in the woods."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I do; I am getting over my misanthropy,
+and am taking more cheerful views of life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is good. My son Frank is an intimate
+friend of Mark, and thinks a great deal of him
+and his mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So do I," responded the hermit. "Mark is a
+straightforward boy, and will succeed life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so. I wish I had anything for him to
+do—Frank would be glad. Perhaps in time I may
+find him a place."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I shall be able to provide employment
+for Mark myself," said the hermit, quietly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Thompson regarded him with surprise.
+Like the rest of the villagers, he had been in the
+habit of regarding old Anthony as a man of
+limited means.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By-the-way, Mr. Thompson, I called this
+morning on a little matter of business," continued
+the hermit. "I believe you have the rental of
+the Beach house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mr. Thompson, somewhat
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am acquainted with a family who are on the
+lookout for a house in Groveton. This, I think,
+would suit them, if the rent is not too high."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is, you know, a fine house. Would your
+friends like to have it furnished?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In that case, the rent will be four hundred
+dollars a year, or a hundred dollars a quarter.
+In the city, or at Long Branch, as you probably
+are aware, four times as much would be required."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think that will be satisfactory. Can immediate
+possession be given?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I will at once set the cleaners to work,
+and have it got ready by the end of the week.
+One question I am obliged to ask. Is the party
+for whom you are acting, responsible, in a pecuniary
+way?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The first quarter's rent will be paid in advance."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pretty satisfactory. May I ask the name of
+the tenant?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There are reasons for keeping it secret for a
+few days."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, well, that is not material."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony never said a word about what he
+had done, for, as my readers will conjecture, he
+meant to have Mark and his mother occupy the
+house. It did, however, get noised about, that
+Mr. Beach's house was taken. Squire Collins
+among others, was curious to ascertain something
+about the new tenants, and made a call on Mr.
+Thompson, with the special object of finding
+out.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am no wiser than you, Squire Collins," said
+Mr. Thompson. "Of course we shall all know in
+a few days."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By whom was the matter negotiated?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There again I am bound to secrecy, but all
+will be known."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course the party must have ample means,
+and I look forward to having a pleasant neighbor—there
+are very few in the village with whom
+we can associate, on an equality, and so any good
+family is an acquisition."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are more fastidious than I, Squire Collins,"
+said Mr. Thompson smiling. "I don't value
+men according to the size of their pocket-books."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must admit, however, that refinement
+and wealth are likely to go together. You are
+not too democratic for that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not sure. I have known many rich
+people who were very far from being refined.
+By-the-way, I hear that you have bought the
+house occupied by Mrs. Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall you allow her to remain there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I mean to enlarge it, and let my foreman
+occupy it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That will be a disappointment to Mrs. Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, I suppose so," said the squire, carelessly;
+"but that is her lookout, not mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I really don't know of any house in the village
+she can obtain."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I really haven't troubled my mind about the
+matter," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I had time, I don't know but I would build
+them a small cottage on the vacant lot I have on
+Glen Street."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take my advice, and don't; the widow is in
+very precarious circumstances. Her son, Mark,
+is out of employment."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can't you find him something to do, in your
+shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I could, but do not feel disposed to. He is a
+very independent boy, and more than once, he
+treated my son, James, in a disrespectful way.
+No; he must shift for himself some other way."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of the two boys, I certainly very much prefer
+Mark," thought Mr. Thompson; but politeness
+prevented his saying so.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins soon took his leave, having
+failed to acquire the information he sought.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch37' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVII. <br /> CONCLUSION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Meanwhile</span>, Mrs. Manning could not help
+feeling anxious, about her prospects of a house.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you heard of any house, Mr. Taylor?"
+she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit smiled.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be troubled, Mrs. Manning," he said;
+"when you leave this house you will find another
+one to move into."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning was silenced, but still disquieted.
+She was even tempted to wonder whether old
+Anthony was really quite right in his mind. But
+there was nothing to be done. She could only
+wait, patiently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The next day Mark arrived with little Jack.
+He was looking unusually well, his journey having
+given him a healthy color, and added to his
+flesh. Jack was still thin and pale, but was
+beginning to look better than when under Peggy's
+care.</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p260.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms and kissed him.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit was much moved, as he took the
+boy in his arms and kissed him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can see my daughter's looks in you, Jack,"
+he said. "I fear your life has been a sad one,
+poor child. It shall be my task to repay you for
+the hardships you have had to meet in your short
+life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Little Jack seemed to take instinctively to the
+rough-looking but, kind-hearted old man. The
+poor match boy seemed to have drifted into a
+haven of rest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall I ever have to go back to Peggy?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Never, my child. This good lady," indicating
+Mrs. Manning, "will supply the place of your
+own mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will sell matches for you, if you want me to,
+grandfather. I didn't like working for Peggy,
+but I will work for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My dear Jack, instead of working you must
+go to school, and learn all you can. When you
+are grown up, it will be time for you to work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It soon became noised about that the little boy,
+who was seen about the village with Mark, was
+the hermit's grandson. But the grandson of
+old Anthony was not considered a very important
+person, and only excited passing interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was let into the secret of the new home
+to which Mr. Taylor proposed to move, and he
+was naturally pleased to think that his mother's
+condition was to be so much improved.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Nothing had leaked out in the village, however,
+about the contemplated removal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The week was nearly ended when Mark happened
+to meet James Collins in the street.
+James had been informed by his father that Mrs.
+Manning had received notice to leave the cottage,
+and it gratified his dislike of Mark. What puzzled
+him was, Mark's apparent indifference and
+evident good spirits.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he thinks my father will relent, and
+let him stay, but he'll find himself mistaken as I
+shall let him know when I get a chance."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The chance came that very day.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" said James, as Mark was about to
+pass him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" responded Mark smiling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear you've got to move."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I hear."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's high time you were finding a new house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so myself, but that's my mother's
+business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You needn't think my father will let you
+stay where you are."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you think he would let us stay a month
+longer?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He wouldn't put us out in the street, would
+he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, Mark Manning, I see what you
+are at. You want to impose on my father's good
+nature. I shall warn him of your plan."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you please, James."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The result was that Squire Collins, sharing to
+some extent his son's apprehensions, made a call
+that same evening at the cottage. All the family
+were at home.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>After the usual greetings were over, the squire
+said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose, Mrs. Manning, you will be ready
+to move on Saturday?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose my mother can't get a house," suggested
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She <i>must</i> find a house," said the squire, severely.
+"She has had time enough to find one.
+You mustn't blame me if I say that move you
+must on Saturday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You need have no anxiety, Squire Collins,"
+said Mrs. Manning, with dignity. "I intend to
+move on that day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And where, may I ask?" inquired the squire,
+with curiosity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We move into the Beach house," answered
+Mark, his eyes fixed with smiling interest on the
+village magnate.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What!" exclaimed the squire in amazement
+and incredulity. "Do you mean the house near
+mine?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must be crazy," he gasped. "That is a
+very elegant house, and the rent is high."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think we can pay it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And your furniture is unfit for so handsome
+a residence, even if there were enough of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We hire the house with its present furniture,"
+said Mark complacently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't understand it at all!" exclaimed the
+perplexed squire. "How can you, being almost
+a beggar, dream of living there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think, Squire Collins," said old Anthony,
+quietly, "that you are somewhat in error as to
+my young friend Mark's circumstances."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I mean that he has a very good property
+for a boy of his age."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was as much amazed as the squire at
+this statement. The latter said with a sneer:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And where is this famous property?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will inform you with pleasure. There are a
+thousand dollars to his credit in a savings' bank
+in New York, and he holds a mortgage of four
+thousand dollars on your manufactory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Even Mark thought Anthony was out of his
+mind.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why," stammered the squire, "I negotiated
+that mortgage through Mr. Hardy, of New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly! The money he advanced he held in
+trust for Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't believe this!" exclaimed the squire in
+mortification and bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is this really true, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. Let me inform you, Squire Collins,
+that though I have lived as a hermit, I am really
+a moderately rich man, and some time since
+transferred without his knowledge five thousand
+dollars to Mark here, who, as you see, is really
+chief owner of the shop from which you discharged
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't dream of this!" ejaculated the
+squire.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I presume not," said the hermit dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If Mark chooses to come back into the shop, I
+will raise his wages."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My friend Hardy intends to offer Mark a
+position in his office in the city, which I think
+will suit him better. It only remains to say
+that this cottage will be vacated on Saturday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't want to inconvenience Mrs. Manning,"
+said the squire, filled with respect by the
+unexpected prosperity of those whom he had
+come to bully. "Stay another week if you wish."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We don't wish, thank you," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was a wonderful story that Squire Collins
+had to tell at home, and the deep chagrin of
+James can be imagined. But he was worldly
+wise, and he soon decided to court the boy he had
+hitherto despised. What annoyed him most was
+the thought Mark held a mortgage on his
+father's shop, and was to live in a house handsomer
+than his own.</p>
+
+<hr class='c006' />
+
+<p class='c013'>Five years have elapsed since the incidents
+recorded above. Mark fills a responsible position
+in the office of Mr. Hardy, with a handsome salary.
+Little Jack is now a rosy, healthy child of
+thirteen, and those who remembered him as a
+match boy would not know him now. His grandfather's
+happiness is bound up in his little grandson,
+but he is still very much attached to Mark,
+and he has made a new will, in which he divides
+his fortune equally between these two.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor is again within the walls of a
+penitentiary, having forged a check upon a well-known
+merchant of Chicago; and old Peggy,
+taking Jack's place, is to be seen any day on
+Clark or State streets, with a basket of matches,
+which she makes an excuse for appealing to the
+charity of passers by. Her face is growing redder
+and redder, as her potations increase, and she
+will probably end her career in a hospital or
+alms-house.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James Collins is now a clerk in Newport, on a
+small salary, with which he is very much discontented,
+and from time to time asks a loan of
+his old schoolfellow, Mark, to whom he is now
+compelled to look up. He has developed extravagant
+tastes, and is always in debt. I greatly
+fear that neither his habits nor his fortunes
+will improve as he grows older. For our hero,
+Mark, and those who belong to him, we may anticipate
+brighter days and greater prosperity, as
+a fitting recompense of industry and good habits.</p>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c0'>
+<div class='nf-center c005'>
+    <div>THE END.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'><span class='xlarge'>A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for
+Young People by Popular Writers, 52-58
+Duane Street, New York</span></p>
+<hr class='c020' />
+<p class='c013'><span class='xlarge'>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</span></p>
+<p class='c021'><span class='large'><b>Joe's Luck</b></span>: A Boy's Adventures in California. By
+<span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing situations
+are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and the
+fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co.,
+Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly
+one of his best.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom the Bootblack</b></span>; or, The Road to Success. By
+<span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
+himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.
+Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The
+plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable
+fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Dan the Newsboy.</b> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</span></p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of New
+York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mordaunts.
+The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house
+where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little
+heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities
+that she adopts him as her heir.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tony the Hero</b></span>: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a
+Tramp. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away
+and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a
+large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws
+him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided
+for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony
+is prosperous. A very entertaining book.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Errand Boy</b></span>; or, How Phil Brent Won Success.
+By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a
+smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper
+named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's
+subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the
+situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom Temple's Career.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village
+to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission
+to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that
+the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have been
+reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+situation as a cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter
+helps the lad to gain success and fortune.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom Thatcher's Fortune.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts overland
+for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is told
+in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so many
+homes.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Train Boy.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother
+and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and
+is well started on the road to business prominence.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Mark Mason's Victory.</b></span> The Trials and Triumphs of
+a Telegraph Boy. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many difficulties.
+This story will please the very large class of boys who regard
+Mr. Alger as a favorite author.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Debt of Honor.</b></span> The Story of Gerald Lane's Success
+in the Far West. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and disappointments
+which he passed through before he attained success, will
+interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful
+author.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Ben Bruce.</b></span> Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy.
+By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are
+most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's
+most fascinating style.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Castaways</b></span>; or, On the Florida Reefs. By <span class='sc'>James
+Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea
+Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off
+the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind
+through her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to
+the leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and
+Jake the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young
+people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Wrecked on Spider Island</b></span>; or, How Ned Rogers Found
+the Treasure. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn
+a livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers
+a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount
+of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the
+voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most
+captious boy could desire.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Search for the Silver City</b></span>: A Tale of Adventure in
+Yucatan. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam
+yacht Day Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed
+by fire, and then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They
+hear of the wonderful Sliver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians,
+and with the help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the
+golden images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last
+their escape is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so
+full of exciting incidents that the reader is quite carried away with
+the novelty and realism of the narrative.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Runaway Brig</b></span>; or, An Accidental Cruise. By
+<span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering
+sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with
+Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob
+Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document
+which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on
+an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure
+to be fascinated with this entertaining story.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Treasure Finders</b></span>: A Boy's Adventures in
+Nicaragua. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
+indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The
+Treasure Finders."</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Jack, the Hunchback.</b></span> A Story of the Coast of Maine.
+By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. Price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elisabeth,
+on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting.
+From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us
+along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses
+its force.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Washington at Monmouth</b></span>: A Story of Three
+Philadelphia Boys. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
+edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular
+and frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British
+occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life
+skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are
+given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable
+study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are
+all of Mr. Otis' works.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Lafayette at Yorktown</b></span>: A Story of How Two
+Boys Joined the Continental Army. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental
+cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Two lads from Portmouth, N. H. attempt to enlist in the Colonial
+Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excitement
+brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with,
+and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and
+Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain
+in his memory long after that which he has memorized from text
+books has been forgotten.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>At the Siege of Havana.</b></span> Being the Experiences of
+Three Boys Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By <span class='sc'>James
+Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated,
+price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's
+history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the
+assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col.
+Israel Putnam.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas
+Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily,
+in the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded
+on historical facts.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Defense of Fort Henry.</b></span> A Story of Wheeling
+Creek in 1777. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
+edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and
+women who founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of
+Virginia. The recital of what Elisabeth Zane did is in itself as
+heroic a story as can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed
+by Major McCulloch and his gallant comrades, the sufferings of
+the colonists and their sacrifice of blood and life, stir the
+blood of old as well as young readers.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Capture of the Laughing Mary.</b></span> A Story of Three
+New York Boys in 1776. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental
+cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's
+person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They
+do some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an
+American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the
+work. Mr. Otis' books are too well-known to require any particular
+commendation to the young."—Evening Post.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Warren at Bunker Hill.</b></span> A Story of the Siege of
+Boston. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
+edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after
+the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life
+in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown,
+shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the
+battle of Bunker Hill and closes with the raising of the siege. The
+three heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker,
+incur the enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures
+the boys will like to read."—Detroit Free Press.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With the Swamp Fox.</b></span> The Story of General Marion's
+Spies. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, Illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the
+Carolinas. General Marlon's arrival to take command of these brave
+men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and
+although the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox
+is ever present in the mind of the reader.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>On the Kentucky Frontier.</b></span> A Story of the Fighting
+Pioneers of the West. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than
+that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers-men.
+Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the
+arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was
+captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which
+is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story teller.
+This is one of the most entertaining books for young people which has
+been published.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Sarah Dillard's Ride.</b></span> A Story of South Carolina in
+1780. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail of
+the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's troops.
+Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story, which is
+told as though coming from a youth who experienced these adventures.
+In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out as an
+incident of the plot."—Boston Journal.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Tory Plot.</b></span> A Story of the Attempt to Kill General
+Washington. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something
+of the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture
+or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen.
+Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives
+in the matter. They do so, and meet with many adventures and hair-breadth
+escapes. The boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable
+the author to put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge
+concerning one phase of the Revolution."—Pittsburgh Times.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Traitor's Escape.</b></span> A Story of the Attempt to Seize
+Benedict Arnold. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter,
+bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early
+settlers In this country. In an historical work dealing with this
+country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this
+one, which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict
+Arnold's escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of
+Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually figured In the arrest
+of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are included as
+characters."—Albany Union.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Cruise with Paul Jones.</b></span> A Story of Naval Warfare
+in 1776. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life
+when he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity
+to strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with
+his descent upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and
+the famous battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale
+is one who was taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this
+particular cruise was begun."—Chicago Inter-Ocean.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Corporal Lige's Recruit.</b></span> A Story of Crown Point and
+Ticonderoga. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story
+of an old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king
+in '58, and who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal
+recruit.' The lad acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in
+the name of God and the continental congress,' infuses much
+martial spirit into the narrative, which will arouse the keenest
+interest as it proceeds. Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Benedict
+Arnold and numerous other famous historical names appear in this
+dramatic tale."—Boston Globe.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Morgan, the Jersey Spy.</b></span> A Story of the Siege of Yorktown
+in 1781. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"The two lads who are utilised by the author to emphasise the details
+of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived
+on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his
+dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown,
+are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks
+his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a
+squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of
+friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one
+of the most entertaining books of the year."—Inter-Ocean.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Young Scout</b></span>: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant.
+By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven,
+in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's
+last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate
+of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man
+takes many a desperate chance against the enemy and on more than
+one occasion narrowly escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr.
+Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the public.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Adrift in the Wilds</b></span>: The Adventures of Two Ship-wrecked
+Boys. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco.
+Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys
+reach the shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes
+separated from his party and is captured by hostile Indians,
+but is afterwards rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of
+Southern California.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Young Hero</b></span>; or, Fighting to Win. By <span class='sc'>Edward S.
+Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from
+the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple-minded ladies. Fred
+Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and
+have them arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he
+succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The
+story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be
+glad to read this delightful book.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Lost in the Rockies.</b></span> A Story of Adventure in the
+Rocky Mountains. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is plied upon adventure,
+and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures in
+the Rockies and among the Indians.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Jaunt Through Java</b></span>: The Story of a Journey to the
+Sacred Mountain. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of
+two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island
+of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the
+Royal Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be
+met with. It is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Boy Patriot.</b></span> A Story of Jack, the Young Friend
+of Washington. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated,
+price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid description
+of the battle of Trenton is also found in this story."—Journal of
+Education.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Yankee Lad's Pluck.</b></span> How Bert Larkin Saved his
+Father's Ranch in Porto Rico. By <span class='sc'>Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration,
+and is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst
+the story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This
+will, we think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season."—Gazette.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Brave Defense.</b></span> A Story of the Massacre at Fort
+Griswold in 1781. By <span class='sc'>William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during
+the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn.,
+in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls,
+either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on
+the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey
+Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave comrades,
+through their thrilling adventures will be learning something more
+than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity, of bravery,
+of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable in the arena
+of life.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Young Minuteman.</b></span> A Story of the Capture of
+General Prescott in 1777. By <span class='sc'>William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British
+occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William
+Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one, dealing
+only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling adventure,
+and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will find not
+only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his own patriotism
+and love of country are deepened.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>For the Temple</b></span>: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By <span class='sc'>G. A.
+Henty</span>. With illustrations by <span class='sc'>S. J. Solomon</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance
+to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of
+the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."—Graphic.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Roy Gilbert's Search</b></span>: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By
+<span class='sc'>Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges
+with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam
+launch. The three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes.
+Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking
+yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The
+hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed
+with interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Slate Picker</b></span>: The Story of a Boy's Life in the
+Coal Mines. By <span class='sc'>Harry Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania.
+Ben Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy
+he advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a
+book of extreme interest to every boy reader.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Boy Cruisers</b></span>; or, Paddling in Florida. By St.
+<span class='sc'>George Rathborne</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the
+Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure
+is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into
+a gale in the Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators
+and Andrew gets into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians.
+Mr. Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys, and lads who are
+in search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Captured by Zulus</b></span>: A Story of Trapping in Africa.
+By <span class='sc'>Harry Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The
+lads escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night.
+They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice
+tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native
+stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom the Ready</b></span>; or, Up from the Lowest. By <span class='sc'>Randolph
+Hill</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, ambitious
+boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and the
+governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a purpose,
+and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Captain Kidd's Gold</b></span>: The True Story of an Adventurous
+Sailor Boy. By <span class='sc'>James Franklin Fitts</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea
+of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese
+and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There
+were many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd.
+Paul Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable
+treasure buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this hook is an
+ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his
+efforts to reach the Island and secure the money form one of the most
+absorbing tales for our youth that has come from the press.</p>
+<hr class='c020' />
+<p class='c022'>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, <b>A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York</b>.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+ <ul class='ul_1 c005'>
+    <li>Transcriber's Notes:
+      <ul  class='ul_2'>
+        <li>Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected.
+        </li>
+        <li>Unbalanced quotation marks were silently corrected.
+        </li>
+        <li>Typographical errors were silently corrected.
+        </li>
+        <li>Spelling and hyphenation was made consistent when a predominant  form was found in
+        this book; otherwise it was not changed.
+        </li>
+      </ul>
+    </li>
+  </ul>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55000 ***</div>
+  </body>
+
+</html>
diff --git a/old/55000-0.txt b/old/55000-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ef2fd86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8536 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook of Mark Manning’s Mission, by Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
+will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
+using this eBook.
+
+Title: Mark Manning’s Mission
+       The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy
+
+Author: Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+Illustrator: J. (John) Watson Davis
+
+Release Date: June 28, 2017 [eBook #55000]
+[Most recently updated: May 9, 2022]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+Produced by: David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING’S MISSION ***
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left,"
+said the hermit, as he counted the pieces of gold.]
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+                         MARK MANNING'S MISSION
+
+       ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+                    The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy
+
+       ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+                         By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+             Author of "Mark Mason's Victory," "Ben Bruce,"
+            "Bernard Brook's Adventures," "A Debt of Honor,"
+                               etc., etc.
+
+                    [Illustration: Publisher's Logo]
+
+            With Five Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis
+
+
+       ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+                          A. L. BURT COMPANY,
+                          PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             COPYRIGHT 1905
+                         BY A. L. BURT COMPANY
+
+                               ----------
+
+                         MARK MANNING'S MISSION
+                         By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                                CONTENTS
+
+                                -------
+
+             CHAPTER
+                  I. Three Young Hunters
+                 II. The Hermit's Cabin
+                III. A Timely Rescue
+                 IV. The Hermit Explains
+                  V. Lyman Taylor Makes a New Acquaintance
+                 VI. A Tragedy in the Pasture
+                VII. Mark at Home
+               VIII. Deacon Miller Gets a Clue
+                 IX. The Deacon's Mission
+                  X. Mark Protects a Friend
+                 XI. Mark is Discharged
+                XII. Good Luck After Misfortune
+               XIII. The Little Man in Black
+                XIV. An Important Proposal
+                 XV. The Hermit's Bank
+                XVI. Lyman Taylor Gains some Information
+               XVII. On the Trail of Gold
+              XVIII. Lyman's Disappointment
+                XIX. The Hermit Receives a Call
+                 XX. How Lyman Succeeded
+                XXI. All Aboard for New York
+               XXII. In an Office on Broadway
+              XXIII. Mark's Mission
+               XXIV. What Mark Discovered
+                XXV. The Little Match Boy
+               XXVI. Luck Favors Lyman
+              XXVII. Old Peggy
+             XXVIII. Lyman's Plan
+               XXIX. Mark Receives a Telegram
+                XXX. Mark Makes Arrangements with Jack
+               XXXI. Jack Talks in his Sleep
+              XXXII. Jack is Pursued
+             XXXIII. Mark Eludes his Pursuers
+              XXXIV. Mrs. Manning's House is Sold
+               XXXV. Notice to Quit
+              XXXVI. The Hermit Secures a House
+             XXXVII. Conclusion
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                        MARK MANNING'S MISSION.
+
+                               ----------
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+                          THREE YOUNG HUNTERS.
+
+
+TWO boys, with guns on their shoulders, were crossing a meadow towards
+the Pecasset woods. These were situated about a mile from the village,
+and were quite extensive. The two boys were James Collins and Tom Wyman,
+the first, the son of a large shoe manufacturer, the other the son of
+the village postmaster. They were about of a size, and had the
+appearance of being sixteen years of age. They were very intimate, the
+second being a satellite of the first, who in right of his father's
+wealth considered himself the first boy in Pecasset. Tom flattered his
+vanity by acknowledging his pretensions, and this gave him his position
+of favorite with the young aristocrat.
+
+"I should like to be a hunter," said Tom, as they walked along.
+
+"A fine hunter you'd be," said James, in a tone by no means
+complimentary, for he didn't feel it necessary to flatter his humble
+companion. "You never hit anything, you know."
+
+"Come, James, that's a little too strong," said Tom, in a tone of
+annoyance. "I don't pretend to be as good a shot as you are, but still I
+have hit a bird before now."
+
+"When it was perched on a fence, eh?"
+
+"No, on the wing."
+
+"Who saw you do it?"
+
+"I was alone."
+
+"So I thought," said James, laughing.
+
+"I did it, really. Of course I can't shoot as well as you."
+
+"I don't think there is a boy in the village can come up to me in that
+line," said James.
+
+"Of course not; though Mark Manning isn't a bad shot."
+
+"Mark Manning! He's one of the peggers in my father's shop, isn't he?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Son of the poor widow that lives near the schoolhouse?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What can he know of gunning? He had better stick to the shop."
+
+"I didn't say he was equal to you," said Tom apologetically, "but I have
+seen him shoot well."
+
+"Has he a gun of his own?"
+
+"No, but he often gets the loan of Farmer Jones's."
+
+"I suppose he could hit a barn door if he were within fifty feet of it,"
+said James, contemptuously.
+
+Tom was silent. It was not the first time he had noticed how distasteful
+to James was praise of any other boy.
+
+At this moment, from another direction came a third boy, of about the
+same size and age as the two already introduced. He also had a gun on
+his shoulder. He had on a well-worn suit of mixed cloth, which had been
+darned in one or two places. His face was open and attractive, his form
+was well-knit and muscular, and he was evidently in vigorous health.
+
+Tom Wyman was the first to notice the newcomer.
+
+"Talk of the—old Harry," he said, "and he is sure to appear."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked James, who had not yet espied the new arrival.
+
+"There's Mark Manning coming towards us."
+
+James condescended to turn his glance in Marks' direction.
+
+"What brings him here, I wonder?" he said, with a curl of the lip.
+
+"The same errand that brings us, I should judge, from the gun on his
+shoulder," answered Tom.
+
+By this time Mark was within calling distance.
+
+"Hallo, boys!" he said. "Have you shot anything yet?"
+
+"No," answered Tom. "Have you?"
+
+"No, I have only just come."
+
+"Why are you not in the shop?" demanded James, with the air of a young
+lord.
+
+"Because we work only half-time to-day."
+
+"I suppose you were glad of the holiday?"
+
+"No, I would rather have worked. Half-work, half-pay, you know."
+
+"I suppose that's quite an important consideration for a—a working boy
+like you," drawled James, with an air of patronage.
+
+Mark surveyed James, with a quizzical smile, for he had a genuine boy's
+disdain for affectation, and James was a very good specimen of a
+self-conceited dude, though the latter term had not yet come into use.
+
+"Yes," he said, after a slight pause, "it is a consideration—to a
+working boy like me."
+
+"How much now does my father pay you?" inquired James, with gracious
+condescension.
+
+"Seventy-five cents a day—that's the average."
+
+"Very fair pay! I suppose you take it home to your mother?"
+
+"Yes, I do," answered Mark.
+
+"She's—ah—very poor, I hear."
+
+Mark began to find his patronage on the whole rather oppressive. He had
+a sturdy independence of feeling that grew restive under the young
+patrician's condescension.
+
+"We are poor," he answered, "but we have enough to eat, and to wear, and
+a roof to cover us—"
+
+"Exactly. You are indebted to my father for that."
+
+"I don't see how."
+
+"Doesn't he employ you and pay you wages?"
+
+"Yes, but don't I earn my wages by good work?"
+
+"Really, my good fellow, I can't say. I presume you do passably well, or
+he wouldn't keep you in his employ."
+
+"Then it seems to me we are even on that score. However, I didn't come
+here to talk about myself."
+
+Here there was a sudden diversion.
+
+"Look, James! See that bird!" exclaimed Tom, in excitement.
+
+The other two boys looked in the direction indicated, and saw a hawk
+flying swiftly, perhaps two hundred feet above them. The three
+simultaneously raised their guns, and Tom and James fired. But Mark,
+upon second thought reserved his fire, in order to give his two
+companions a chance.
+
+Their guns were discharged, but in vain. The bird flew on, apparently
+unconcerned, considerably to their disappointment.
+
+"Now it is my turn!" reflected Mark.
+
+He raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger; the effect was soon
+seen. The bird fluttered its wings, then dropped quickly through the
+air.
+
+"By Jove, Mark's hit him!" exclaimed Tom in excitement.
+
+James frowned in evident displeasure.
+
+"Yes, he was lucky!" he said significantly.
+
+Mark had run forward to pick up the bird.
+
+"I told you Mark was a good shot!" said Tom, who had not so much vanity
+to wound as James.
+
+"I suppose you think him a better shot than I, because he hit the bird
+and I didn't?" said James, reddening.
+
+"No, I don't say that!"
+
+"I tell you it was pure luck. I've heard of a man who shut his eyes when
+he fired, but he succeeded when all his companions failed. You can't
+judge of one by a single shot."
+
+Here Mark came up with his trophy.
+
+"I congratulate you on your success," said James, unpleasantly. "I
+suppose this is the first bird you ever shot?"
+
+"Oh, no!" answered Mark smilingly. "I have shot a few before now."
+
+"A fly lit on my nose just when I was pulling the trigger, or I should
+have brought him down."
+
+"That was lucky for me," said Mark.
+
+"Come, Tom," said James, drawing his companion away to the left. "We'd
+better separate, or we shall all be shooting at the same object."
+
+"Good luck to you then!" said Mark, as the two left him.
+
+"Thanks!" said Tom, but James deigned no notice of Mark's civility.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+                          THE HERMIT'S CABIN.
+
+
+MARK smiled to himself as the boys left him.
+
+"James doesn't care to associate with us working boys," he thought.
+"Well, I fancy he cares as much for my company as I do for his."
+
+Mark was thoroughly independent and self-reliant, and had no disposition
+to trouble himself because a particular boy didn't care to associate
+with him.
+
+He was not self-conceited, but he respected himself, and never would
+have been willing, like Tom Wyman, to play the part of an humble
+satellite to the son of a wealthy shoe manufacturer.
+
+He reached the edge of the woods, and plunged into their shaded
+recesses. Here and there were paths more or less worn. One of these he
+took. It was a considerable time before he found anything to shoot at.
+Finally he fired at a squirrel, but the active little animal eluded him,
+and made his way to some covert, whence possibly he peeped out with
+twinkling eyes at his enemy.
+
+Farther on he reached a small clearing, in the center of which rose an
+humble log dwelling, of the most primitive description.
+
+Mark regarded it with curiosity, for, though it was no new object to
+him, he knew that it was occupied by a man who for five years had
+baffled the curiosity of the neighborhood.
+
+Now and then he was seen in the village, whither he went to procure
+supplies of food and other necessaries. A striking figure he was, with
+his long flowing sandy beard, thickly flecked with gray hairs, high
+forehead, and long, circular cloak wrapped around his tall, spare form.
+
+On his head he wore a Spanish sombrero, and his appearance in the
+streets never failed to attract the curious eyes of the children.
+
+Once some rude boys followed him with jeers, but were never tempted to
+repeat the rudeness. With his long staff upraised, he gave chase to
+them, looking so terrible that they were panic-stricken, and with pale
+faces, scattered in all directions.
+
+While Mark was standing near the hermit's cabin, he thought he heard a
+smothered groan proceeding from within.
+
+"What can be the matter," he thought, "can old Anthony be sick?"
+
+This was the name, correct or not, by which the hermit was known in the
+village.
+
+He paused a moment in indecision, but on hearing the groan repeated, he
+overcame his scruples, and pushing open the door, which stood ajar, he
+entered.
+
+On a pallet, at one corner of the main room, lay the old man, with his
+limbs drawn up, as if in pain. His back was towards the door.
+
+"Who is there?" he asked, as he heard the door open.
+
+"A friend," answered Mark. "Are you sick?"
+
+"I have a severe attack of rheumatism," answered the old man.
+
+"And you have no one to take care of you?" said Mark, pityingly.
+
+"No; I have no friends," answered the old man, in a tone half sad, half
+bitter. "Come round to the foot of the bed; let me look at you," he
+added, after a pause.
+
+Mark complied with his request.
+
+Old Anthony regarded him attentively, and said, half to himself, "a good
+face! a face to be trusted!"
+
+"I hope so," said Mark, with a feeling of pleasure. "Can I do anything
+for you?"
+
+"You are willing to help old Anthony? You see I know what they call me
+in the village."
+
+"Yes. I shall be willing and glad to do anything for you."
+
+"You are a good boy. What is your name?"
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"I know who you are. Your mother is a widow."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And poor."
+
+"We have little money, but we have never wanted for food."
+
+"You work for your mother?"
+
+"Yes; I am employed in the shoe factory."
+
+"A good son will make a good man. You will never repent what you are
+doing for your mother."
+
+"No; I am sure I shall not," returned Mark, warmly. "I ought not, for
+she has done everything for me."
+
+"What brings you here?" asked the old man.
+
+"I had a spare afternoon, and came out gunning. I was wandering about
+these woods and happened to come this way. How long have you been sick?"
+
+"For several days; but I was able to be about till yesterday."
+
+"Have you taken no medicine?"
+
+"No. I thought I might do without it; but I find I am mistaken."
+
+"Shall I call the doctor?"
+
+"No; my disease is of old standing, and I know what to do for it. If you
+are willing to go to the drug store for me you may take the bottle on
+yonder shelf and get it filled. The druggist will understand what is
+wanted. You may also get me a box of rheumatic pills."
+
+"Yes, sir; I will go at once."
+
+"You will want money. Look in the box on yonder shelf, and select a gold
+piece. Pay for the articles and bring back the change."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Mark went to the shelf, and in a square wooden box found a collection of
+gold and silver coins from which he selected a five-dollar gold piece.
+
+"I have taken five dollars," he said.
+
+"Very well."
+
+"Are you not afraid to leave this money so exposed while you are sick
+and helpless?" Mark ventured to inquire.
+
+"I have no visitors," answered old Anthony.
+
+"But you might have. Some tramp——"
+
+"That is true. Perhaps it would be well to provide for that contingency.
+Will you take it all, and take care of it for me?"
+
+Mark regarded the old man with surprise.
+
+"What—take it away with me?" he asked.
+
+"Yes. I shall have to employ you as my man of business till I get
+better. I will speak with you about it further when you return with the
+medicines."
+
+"Do you know how much there is here?" asked Mark.
+
+"No; you may count it, if you like."
+
+Mark did so and announced as the result of his count, "Twenty-nine
+dollars and thirty cents."
+
+"Very well! You may keep an account of what you expend for me," said the
+old man, indifferently.
+
+"He seems to put a good deal of confidence in me," Mark reflected, with
+some satisfaction.
+
+"Is there nothing else you want in the village?" Mark asked, as he
+prepared to go.
+
+"You may bring me a loaf of fresh bread and a quart of milk, if it will
+not be too much trouble. You will find a tin measure for the milk on the
+shelf."
+
+"Here it is, sir."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"If you would like something nourishing—some meat, for instance—I can
+get my mother to cook you some," continued Mark.
+
+"Not to-day. Another day I may avail myself of your kind offer. You are
+very kind—to a poor recluse."
+
+"I am afraid you don't pass a very pleasant life," said Mark. "I should
+be miserable if I lived alone in the woods, like you."
+
+"No doubt, no doubt. You are young and life opens before you bright and
+cheerful. As for me, I have lived my life. For me no prospect opens but
+the grave. Why, indeed, should I seek to prolong this miserable life?"
+
+Mark hardly knew how to answer him. He could not enter into the old
+man's morbid feelings.
+
+"I will be back soon," he said as he left the cabin.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+                            A TIMELY RESCUE.
+
+
+MARK MANNING left the cabin and made his way as quickly as possible to
+the edge of the wood. He hadn't got over his wonder at the hermit's
+commission and singular confidence in him.
+
+"It seems strange," he said to himself, "to have so much money in my
+pocket. Nearly thirty dollars! I wonder whether I shall ever have as
+much of my own?"
+
+In truth, thirty dollars seemed a much larger sum to our hero, brought
+up in a hand to hand struggle with poverty, than it would have appeared
+if he had been ten years older.
+
+"He must have more money," thought Mark, "or he would not care so little
+for this sum as to trust it all to me. How does he know that I will
+prove honest?"
+
+Nevertheless it was a satisfaction to Mark to reflect that old Anthony
+was justified in his confidence. Had the sum been ten times as large, he
+would not have been tempted to retain any of it for his own use.
+
+He kept on his way to the drug store, and asked for the medicines
+already referred to.
+
+"Is your mother sick?" asked the druggist, who was very well acquainted
+with Mark and his family.
+
+"No, sir," answered Mark.
+
+"Oh, then it is you who are rheumatic," said the druggist jokingly.
+
+"Wrong again," answered Mark. "I am buying the medicines for old
+Anthony."
+
+"Then he is sick? That accounts for his not having appeared in the
+village for several days."
+
+Thereupon Mark described his chance visit to the cabin, and the
+condition in which he had found the hermit.
+
+"These remedies will do him good," said the druggist, "if he is
+otherwise kept comfortable. A strange man is old Anthony!" he continued
+musingly.
+
+Mark produced a gold piece, from which he requested the druggist to take
+pay for the articles purchased.
+
+"Did the hermit give you this?" asked the druggist.
+
+Mark answered in the affirmative.
+
+"Then it is evident he is not without means. However, I might have known
+that. During the years that he has lived in the wood, he has always been
+prompt in his payments for all articles purchased in the village. His
+expenditures are small, to be sure, but in five years they have amounted
+to considerable."
+
+"What could have induced him to settle in such a lonely spot?"
+
+"That is more than any one hereabouts can tell. He is very secretive,
+and never says anything about himself."
+
+By this time Mark was ready to return. He went to the grocery store,
+where he obtained the milk and loaf of bread, which he had also been
+commissioned to procure. Then he set out for old Anthony's lonely cabin.
+
+Before doing so, he heard something from the grocer that aroused his
+curiosity.
+
+"There was a man in here only twenty minutes since," said the
+storekeeper, "who was asking after Anthony."
+
+"Was it a stranger?"
+
+"Yes. It was a man I never saw before. He was a stout, broad-shouldered
+man with a bronzed face, who looked as if he might be a sailor."
+
+"Did he say who he was?"
+
+"Only that Anthony was a relation of his, and that he had not seen him
+for years."
+
+"Did he say he meant to call upon him?" asked Mark.
+
+"He did not say so, but as he inquired particularly for the location of
+the cabin, I took it for granted that this was his intention."
+
+"Then probably I shall see him, as I am going directly back to the
+wood."
+
+"He will probably be there unless he loses his way."
+
+Leaving Mark to return by the same way he came, we will precede him, and
+make acquaintance with the man who had excited the grocer's curiosity by
+inquiring for the old hermit.
+
+Old Anthony lay on his pallet waiting for the return of Mark.
+
+"I like the boy," he said to himself. "He has an honest face. He looks
+manly and straightforward. He has never joined the other village boys in
+jeering. If my nephew had been like him he might have been a comfort to
+me."
+
+The old man sighed. What thoughts passed through his mind were known
+only to him; but that they were sad ones seemed clear from the
+expression of his face.
+
+Time passed as he lay quiet. Then he heard a noise at the door and the
+step of one entering the cabin.
+
+"Is that you, Mark?" he inquired.
+
+There was a pause. Then a harsh voice answered: "No; it isn't Mark,
+whoever he may be. It is some one who ought to be nearer to you than
+he."
+
+Old Anthony started in evident excitement, and by an effort managed to
+turn round his head so as to see the intruder.
+
+His eyes rested on a man rather above the middle height, shabbily clad,
+with a dark face and threatening expression.
+
+"Lyman Taylor!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Yes, Lyman Taylor," returned the other, mockingly. "Are you glad to see
+your nephew?"
+
+"Heaven knows I am not!" said old Anthony bitterly.
+
+"So I judged from your expression. Yet they say blood is thicker than
+water."
+
+"That there is any tie of blood between us I regret deeply. A man more
+utterly unworthy I have never known."
+
+"Come, Uncle Anthony, isn't that a little strong. I am no angel——"
+
+"You are a worthless scoundrel," said the hermit bitterly.
+
+"Look here, old man," said his nephew fiercely, "I didn't come here to
+be insulted and called bad names. Considering that you are alone and in
+my power, it is a little impertinent in you to talk in that way. I might
+kill you."
+
+"You are quite capable of it," said Anthony. "Do so, if you choose. Life
+is not a possession that I greatly prize."
+
+"I have a great mind to take you at your word," said Taylor coolly, "but
+it wouldn't suit my purpose. Your death would do me no good unless you
+have made me your heir. I am desperately in need of money."
+
+"Work for it, then!"
+
+"Thank you! You are very kind; but employers are rather shy of me. I
+have no recommendations to offer. I don't mind telling you that I have
+spent the last four years in prison."
+
+"A very suitable place for you," said the old man in a caustic tone.
+
+"Thank you again! You are complimentary."
+
+"This is the reason why you have not found me out before?"
+
+"Precisely. You don't suppose I would otherwise have kept away from you
+so long, my most affectionate uncle!"
+
+"Do you recall the circumstances of our last parting? I awoke in
+California to find myself robbed of the large sum of money I had with
+me. Of course, you took it."
+
+"I don't mind owning that I did. But I haven't a cent of it left."
+
+"That I can easily believe. Why have you sought me out?"
+
+"I want more money."
+
+"So I supposed. You can judge from my way of living whether I am likely
+to have any for you."
+
+"You don't appear to be living in luxury. However, it costs something to
+keep body and soul together even in this den. Of course, you have some
+money. However little it is, I want it."
+
+"Then you will be disappointed."
+
+"Where do you keep your money?" demanded Lyman Taylor, roughly.
+
+"Even if I had any. I wouldn't tell you!" said the brave old man.
+
+"Look here, old man, no trifling! Either you will find some money for
+me, or I will choke you!"
+
+He got down on one knee and stooped menacingly over the hermit.
+
+At that moment Mark Manning, who had returned from his errand, reached
+the doorway, and stood a surprised and indignant witness of this
+exciting scene.
+
+Old Anthony struggled, but ineffectually in the grasp of the ruffian who
+had attacked him. Even if he had not been disabled by disease he would
+not have been a match for Lyman Taylor, who was at least twenty-five
+years younger.
+
+"Don't touch me, you scoundrel!" said Anthony, whose spirit exceeded his
+bodily strength.
+
+"Then tell me where you keep your money!"
+
+"That I will not do!"
+
+"Then I'll see if I can't find a way to make you."
+
+As he spoke the young man grabbed the hermit by the throat. He concluded
+too hastily that old Anthony was in his power. He was destined to a
+surprise.
+
+"Let the old man alone!" cried Mark, indignantly.
+
+Lyman Taylor looked up in surprise and some alarm. But when he saw that
+the words proceeded from a boy, he laughed derisively.
+
+[Illustration: Mark dropped his bundles, and taking the musket pointed
+it at the ruffian, saying: "Let go, or I will shoot."]
+
+"Mind your own business, you young bantam, or I'll wring your neck!" he
+said contemptuously. "Now, let me know where you keep your money," he
+said, turning once more to the old man, and preparing to choke him into
+an avowal of his secret.
+
+"Let go, instantly, or I will shoot!" exclaimed Mark, now thoroughly
+aroused.
+
+Once more the ruffian turned, and this time his countenance changed, for
+Mark, boyish but resolute, had dropped his bundles, and had the musket
+pointed directly at him.
+
+Taylor rose to his feet suddenly.
+
+"Take care, there!" he said, nervously. "Put down that gun!"
+
+"Then leave old Anthony alone!" returned Mark, resolutely.
+
+"Are you my uncle's guardian?" demanded Lyman, with a sneer.
+
+"If he is your uncle, the more shame to you to treat him brutally!"
+
+"I didn't come here to be lectured by a boy," said Taylor, angrily. "Put
+down that gun!"
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+                          THE HERMIT EXPLAINS.
+
+
+MARK did not obey directly, but turning to the hermit said, "Do you want
+this man to leave the cabin?"
+
+"Yes," answered the old man, "but beware of him! He is all that is bad!"
+
+"A pretty recommendation to come from your uncle," said Taylor,
+sullenly. "Uncle Anthony, I ask you once more to give me money. I am
+penniless, and am a desperate man."
+
+"There is no money in this cabin, and you would search for it in vain,
+but if you will promise to leave this place and trouble me no more, I
+will provide you with five dollars."
+
+"What are five dollars?"
+
+"All that you will get. Do you make the promise?"
+
+"Well, yes—"
+
+"Mark, you may give this man five dollars on my account."
+
+"Is he your treasurer!" inquired Taylor, in surprise.
+
+"He has charge of some funds out of which he buys me what I need."
+
+"How much money have you got of my uncle's, boy?"
+
+"I don't care to answer the question. Ask your uncle."
+
+"A small sum only. It won't be worth your while, Lyman, to plot for its
+possession."
+
+"Have you no other money?"
+
+"None that you are likely to get hold of. I will save you the trouble of
+searching the cabin, or prowling round it, by repeating that I have no
+money concealed here. You know me well enough to know that I am not
+deceiving you."
+
+Lyman Taylor listened in sullen disappointment. He did know that his
+uncle's word could be relied upon implicitly, and that the hopes which
+he had built up of securing a large fund from the uncle he had once
+robbed, were not destined to be realized.
+
+"It seems you are a pauper, then," he said.
+
+"I have not been compelled to ask for charity yet," answered Anthony. "I
+live here for next to nothing, and have not suffered yet for the
+necessities of life."
+
+Lyman Taylor looked around him contemptuously.
+
+"You must have a sweet time living here," he said, "in this lonely old
+cabin."
+
+"I would not exchange it for the place in which you confess that you
+have passed the last four years."
+
+Taylor frowned, but did not otherwise notice the old man's retort.
+
+"Give me the five dollars, boy," he said, "and I will go. It seems I am
+wasting time here."
+
+Mark drew a gold piece from his pocket and passed it to him.
+
+"Have you many more of these?" he demanded, his eyes gleaming with
+cupidity.
+
+"No."
+
+"Give me another."
+
+"They are not mine to give."
+
+"Not another one, Mark," said Anthony. "He does not deserve even that."
+
+"Make way, then, and I will go," said the nephew, convinced that he had
+no more to expect.
+
+Mark moved aside, and he strode out of the cabin.
+
+"Good-bye, Uncle Anthony," he said. "You haven't treated me very
+generously, considering how long it is since you did anything for me."
+
+"Are you utterly shameless, Lyman?" said the hermit. "I hope never to
+set eyes on you again."
+
+"Thank you, you are very kind. Boy, what is your name?"
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"Well, Mark, as you appear to be in charge of my uncle, I shall be glad
+to have you write me if anything happens to him. As his nearest relative
+and heir, I ought to be notified."
+
+Mark looked to the hermit for directions.
+
+"Give him your address, Lyman," said Anthony. "If there is any news to
+interest you, he shall write. But don't calculate on my speedy death. It
+is hardly likely to benefit you."
+
+"I may want to visit your grave, uncle," said Lyman, jeeringly.
+
+"Give him an address where a letter will reach you then."
+
+"No. —— Third Avenue, New York," said Taylor. "Write soon."
+
+He left the cabin, and old Anthony and Mark were alone.
+
+"He is my nearest relative," said the old man, "and a relative to be
+proud of, eh, Mark?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Years since we were in California together, I had two thousand dollars
+in gold dust under my pillow. My nephew was my companion, but none of
+the gold belonged to him. I woke one morning to find my nephew gone, and
+my gold also. From that time I have not set eyes on him till to-day."
+
+"It was a shabby trick," said Mark, warmly. "Were you left destitute?"
+
+"So far as money went, yes. But I was the owner of a claim which my
+nephew thought exhausted. I resumed work on it, and three days later
+made a valuable find. Within a month I took out ten thousand dollars,
+and sold it for five thousand more."
+
+"Your nephew does not know this, does he?"
+
+"No; if he had, I should not have got rid of him so easily. But I have
+not told you all. I remained in California a year longer, and left it
+worth forty thousand dollars."
+
+"Then why—excuse me for asking—have you come to this poor cabin to
+live?" asked Mark.
+
+"I had one other relative than Lyman, a daughter—I left her at a
+boarding-school in Connecticut. I returned to find that she had married
+an adventurer a month previous. Two years later I heard of her death.
+Life had lost its charm for me. I would not deprive myself of it, but in
+a fit of misanthropy I buried myself here."
+
+Old Anthony seemed weary, and Mark questioned him no more, but set
+before him the milk and loaf which he had brought with him.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+                 LYMAN TAYLOR MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+ON leaving the cabin Mark promised to call again the next afternoon,
+bringing from the village such articles as Anthony might require. This
+he could readily do as the shoe manufactory was not running full time.
+
+"I will see that you are paid for your trouble," said the hermit.
+
+"That will be all right," said Mark, cheerfully.
+
+"I am able to pay you, and will employ you only on that condition,"
+persisted Anthony.
+
+"I shall not object to that part of the bargain," said Mark, smiling.
+"Money never comes amiss to me."
+
+"I have plenty of money, though I would not admit it to my nephew,"
+continued the sick man. "He would persecute me till I bought him off.
+Fortunately he thinks I am poor."
+
+"But," said Mark, "suppose he should come back. Would not your money be
+in danger?"
+
+"He would find none here. I do not keep any in this cabin. I did have
+some, but it is in your hands."
+
+"Shall I not return it to you, sir?"
+
+"No; I prefer that you should keep it. You will be using money for me
+daily, and for the present you shall be my treasurer."
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for reposing so much confidence in me,"
+said Mark.
+
+"I trust you entirely. You have an honest face."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I will endeavor to deserve your confidence."
+
+It was past four o'clock when Mark left the cabin and started on his way
+homeward. He walked along thoughtfully, carrying his gun over his
+shoulder.
+
+"It seems I have a near friend," he reflected; "and one who may be of
+service to me. Now that the shop is no longer running full time, it will
+be convenient to earn a little extra money, old Anthony must be rich,
+judging from what he said about his success in California."
+
+Mark could not help wondering where the hermit kept his money. But for
+Anthony's positive assurance, he would have conjectured that he kept it
+somewhere concealed about the cabin, but that being left out of the
+question he was at a loss to fix upon any probable place of deposit.
+
+Leaving Mark for a brief time; we go back to the other two young
+hunters, from whom he had separated two hours before.
+
+"I don't like that boy," said James Collins. "He puts on too many airs
+for a poor boy. I suppose he will be crowing over his successful shot."
+
+"Very likely," chimed in his companion, who made it a point to flatter
+James by agreeing with everything he said.
+
+"It was only a lucky accident," continued James. "He couldn't do it
+again."
+
+"Of course not. I don't think he is really as good a shot as you or I."
+
+"You can hardly class yourself with me," said James egotistically.
+"However. I agree with you that he is inferior to you."
+
+"Quick, James!" said Tom Wyman. "There is a squirrel—shoot! I'll give
+you the first chance."
+
+James pulled the trigger, but the squirrel was not destined to fall by
+his hands. He scampered away, looking back saucily at the baffled young
+hunter.
+
+"Was ever anything more provoking?" asked James in evident chagrin.
+
+Later in the afternoon when the two boys were slowly strolling
+homewards, they saw a strange man issuing from the woods. It was Lyman
+Taylor, returned from his only partially successful visit to his uncle.
+
+He waited till the boys came up.
+
+"Good afternoon, young gentlemen," he said by way of greeting.
+
+"Good afternoon," returned James stiffly.
+
+He doubted whether the newcomer was a man whom it was worth while to
+notice.
+
+"What luck have you had? I see you have been out hunting."
+
+"We didn't shoot anything we thought worth bringing home," said Tom.
+
+"I met another boy out with a gun. Perhaps he is a friend of yours."
+
+James and Tom exchanged glances. They understood very well that Mark
+Manning was meant.
+
+"I think I know the boy you met," said James. "It is a poor boy who
+works in my father's manufactory."
+
+"What is his name?" asked Lyman Taylor.
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"Does he live in the village?"
+
+"Yes; his mother is a poor widow."
+
+"Where did you meet him?" asked Tom.
+
+"At a cabin in the woods."
+
+"Old Anthony's?"
+
+"Yes; the hermit is an uncle of mine."
+
+The two boys regarded the speaker with interest. All the villagers had
+some curiosity about the man who had settled so near them.
+
+"What is his name?" inquired Tom.
+
+"You called him old Anthony," said Lyman, smiling. "That is his name."
+
+"But his other name?"
+
+"His last name is Taylor, I have not seen him before for five years.
+Does he often come into the village?"
+
+"About twice a week."
+
+"I suppose he comes to buy food?"
+
+"Yes; I suppose so."
+
+"Does he appear to be provided with money?" asked Taylor with some
+eagerness.
+
+"Yes, I believe so," replied Tom. "He has sometimes come into our
+place—father is the postmaster—to get a gold piece changed. But I don't
+suppose he has much money. It doesn't cost him much to live."
+
+"Does he ever get any letters—as your father is postmaster, you can
+probably tell."
+
+"I don't think so; my father has never mentioned it, and I think he
+would if any had been received."
+
+"What sort of a boy is this Mark Manning?" asked Taylor abruptly.
+
+"I don't think much of him," answered James. "He is poor and proud. He
+is only a pegger in our shop, but he puts on airs with the best."
+
+"Do you think he is honest?"
+
+The two boys looked surprised; that question had never occurred to them.
+
+"What makes you ask?" inquired James.
+
+"Only that he has in his possession a sum of money belonging to my
+uncle."
+
+"Did he tell you so? did you see it?" were the questions quickly asked.
+
+"I met him at my uncle's cabin. My uncle owed me a small sum, and
+instead of paying me himself, he asked this boy to pay me. The boy took
+the money from his pocket, and handed it to me."
+
+Both boys were surprised.
+
+"I didn't know he had anything to do with the hermit," said Tom. "Did
+you, James?"
+
+"No; but then I don't trouble myself about Mark Manning's affairs."
+
+Lyman Taylor regarded James shrewdly, he had no difficulty in detecting
+the boy's dislike towards Mark.
+
+"Excuse my troubling you with questions, young gentlemen," he said. "My
+uncle is a simple-minded old man, and it would be easy to rob him,
+though I fancy he hasn't much money. This boy Mark appeared to me an
+artful young rogue, who might very probably cheat him out of the small
+sum he has."
+
+"I never saw the two together," said Tom, musingly. "Old Anthony has
+generally paid his bills himself."
+
+"He is sick just now, and perhaps that accounts for it. The boy Mark has
+been making purchases for him in the village. However, I must leave the
+place, as important business calls me elsewhere. Since you," addressing
+Tom, "are the postmaster's son, may I ask a favor of you?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"If my uncle should die, can I trouble you to send me a note informing
+me, as I should feel called upon, as his only relative, to see that he
+was properly buried."
+
+"Yes, sir; I will write you, if you will leave me your address."
+
+Lyman Taylor gave Tom the same address he had already given Mark. He
+then bade the boys good-bye, and walked on.
+
+"Uncle Anthony _may_ have some money," he soliloquized, "and if he dies,
+I shall see if I can find it. I am pretty sure to hear through one of
+the boys."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+                       A TRAGEDY IN THE PASTURE.
+
+
+ON their way home the two boys had occasion to cross a pasture belonging
+to Deacon Miller, an old farmer whose house and barn were about a
+furlong distant on a rising ground.
+
+They sauntered along in single file. James had a careless way of
+carrying his gun, which made some of the boys unwilling to accompany
+him, unless it was unloaded. Tom had two or three times cautioned him on
+this very afternoon, but James did not receive his remonstrance in good
+part.
+
+"Don't trouble yourself so much about my gun, Tom Wyman," he said. "I
+guess I know how to carry my gun as well as you do."
+
+"I don't doubt that in the least, James, but you must admit that you
+handle it rather carelessly. Some of the boys don't like to go hunting
+with you."
+
+"Then they are cowards. I never shot any boy yet," answered James, with
+some heat.
+
+"No, but you might."
+
+"You are making a great deal of fuss about nothing. I didn't think you
+were so timid."
+
+"I don't know that I am particularly timid, but I shouldn't like to be
+riddled with shot," returned Tom, good-humoredly.
+
+"Then you'd better get your life insured when you go out with me next,"
+sneered James.
+
+"I don't know but I shall," said Tom, declining to take offense.
+
+For a very brief period James carried his gun more carefully. Then he
+forgot his caution, and in transferring his gun from one shoulder to the
+other somehow he touched the hammer, and the gun was discharged.
+
+It was most unfortunate, but when the gun went off it was pointed
+directly at a white-faced cow belonging to Deacon Miller.
+
+The small shot penetrated both the poor animal's eyes, and with a moan
+of anguish the cow sank to the ground.
+
+Both boys stared in dismay at the victim of carelessness.
+
+"There, you've gone and done it now, James," said Tom. "You've shot
+Deacon Miller's cow."
+
+"I don't see how I happened to do it," stammered James, really
+frightened.
+
+"I told you not to carry your gun so carelessly."
+
+"You told me! Of course you want to get me into trouble about this!"
+exclaimed James, irritably.
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"Then," said James, quickly, "don't say a word about it. We'll get home
+as soon as we can, and won't know anything about it. Mum's the word!"
+
+"Of course I'll be mum, but it will be known that we have been out with
+guns this afternoon."
+
+"So has Mark Manning."
+
+James looked significantly at Tom, and Tom understood.
+
+Poor Mark was to bear the blame for a deed he didn't do, and all to
+screen James.
+
+"It's mean!" Tom said to himself, "but I can't go back on James. I want
+to keep in with him, and I suppose I must consent."
+
+"Well?" demanded James, impatiently.
+
+"It won't come out through me," answered Tom, but not with alacrity.
+
+"And if Mark is accused you won't say anything?"
+
+"N-o!" said Tom, slowly.
+
+"Then let us put for home!"
+
+James suited the action to the word, and the two boys hurried across the
+pasture, never venturing to look back at the suffering animal.
+
+Fifteen minutes later, when James and Tom were already at home, Mark
+Manning entered the narrow foot-path that led across the pasture.
+
+He was immersed in thought, the hermit and his strange experience at the
+cabin being the subject of his reflections, when he heard a pitiful
+moaning, not far from him.
+
+Looking up he observed that it proceeded from old Whitey, as the deacon
+was accustomed to call his favorite cow.
+
+"What's the matter with you, old Whitey?" said Mark, who was always
+moved by distress, whether in man or beast.
+
+Coming nearer, he was not long left in doubt. The nature of the injury
+which the poor cow had received was evident to him.
+
+"Poor old Whitey!" he said, pitifully. "Who has shot you in this cruel
+manner?"
+
+The sole answer was a moan of anguish from the stricken animal.
+
+"I am afraid she will have to be killed!" thought Mark, sadly. "It is
+only torture for her to live with this injury, and of course there is no
+cure."
+
+He was still standing beside the cow, gun in hand, when a harsh voice
+became audible.
+
+"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?"
+
+Looking up, he saw the deacon but four rods distant.
+
+Deacon Miller was an old man, of giant form, and harsh, irregular
+features. He was a very unpopular man in the neighborhood, and
+deservedly so. He had made home so disagreeable that his only son had
+gone away fifteen years before, and the deacon had never heard from him
+since.
+
+"What have you been doin' to my cow?" he demanded, in a still harsher
+tone.
+
+"Nothing, Deacon Miller," answered Mark, calmly.
+
+"You don't mean to tell me the critter's makin' all this fuss for
+nothin', do you?"
+
+"No; the poor animal has been shot."
+
+"Has been what?" snarled the deacon.
+
+"Shot! Shot in the face, and I am afraid its eyes are put out," replied
+Mark.
+
+"Old Whitey shot in the eye," repeated the deacon, in a fury. "Then it's
+you that did it."
+
+[Illustration: "What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?" said the
+deacon, coming up to him.]
+
+"You are mistaken, sir," said Mark, with dignity. "I have just come up,
+and this is the condition in which I found Whitey."
+
+"What's that you are carryin' in your hand?" demanded the deacon,
+sternly.
+
+"My gun."
+
+"I am glad you are willin' to tell the truth. I didn't know but you'd
+say it was a hoe," exploded the deacon in angry irony.
+
+"Your cow has received no injury from my gun, if that's what you're
+hinting at, Deacon Miller."
+
+"Let me take the gun!"
+
+In some surprise Mark put it into his hands. The deacon raised it, and
+pulled the trigger.
+
+No report was heard. The gun was not loaded.
+
+"Just what I thought," said the deacon, triumphantly. "If it had been
+loaded, I might have thought you told me the truth. Now I know as well
+as I want to that you shot my cow in the face with it."
+
+"I assure you, Deacon Miller," said Mark, earnestly, beginning to
+comprehend the extent to which he was implicated, although innocent. "I
+assure you, Deacon Miller, that I have had nothing to do with harming
+poor Whitey."
+
+"Anyway, I shall hold you responsible, and I reckon you'll have hard
+work to prove yourself innocent," said the deacon, grimly. "I ain't
+going to lose a forty-five dollar cow, and say nothin' about it. You
+jest tell your mother when you go home to see about raisin' forty-five
+dollars to make up old Whitey's loss. As she's a poor widder I'll give
+her thirty days to do it in. Do you hear?"
+
+"Yes, Deacon Miller, I hear, but I repeat that I didn't harm your cow,
+and I shan't pay you a cent."
+
+"We'll see!" was the only answer the deacon gave, nodding his head with
+emphasis.
+
+Poor Mark! he had never felt so miserable, as he plodded slowly home. He
+was innocent, but circumstances were against him, and the deacon was
+implacable.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+                             MARK AT HOME.
+
+
+MARK'S home was a small cottage of a story and a half, surmounted by a
+sloping roof. It was plainly furnished, but looked comfortable. His
+mother was a pleasant looking woman of middle age, who managed well
+their scanty income, consisting chiefly of Mark's earnings.
+
+"Are you not later than usual, Mark?" she inquired.
+
+"Yes, mother; I went out gunning, and did an errand for old Anthony, who
+is laid up with the rheumatism in his cabin."
+
+"Poor man! I hope he won't suffer."
+
+"Thanks to me, he probably will not."
+
+"What can you do for him, Mark? You have no money to spare."
+
+"Haven't I, mother?" asked Mark, with a smile, as he drew from his
+pocket a large handful of silver and gold.
+
+"What do you say to that?"
+
+"Oh, Mark! I hope you came honestly by that money," said the widow,
+nervously.
+
+"I haven't been robbing a bank, if that's what you mean, mother. I
+couldn't very well, as there is none within ten miles."
+
+"Then, Mark, where did the money come from?"
+
+"It belongs to old Anthony. He asked me to take charge of it, as I shall
+need to be buying things for him in the village for a few days to come."
+
+"For mercy's sake, be careful of it, Mark, as, if you lost it, we
+couldn't make up the loss."
+
+"I'll look after that. In fact, I think it will be safer with me than
+with the owner. If any dishonest person should enter his cabin, he could
+not help being robbed in his present condition."
+
+"That would be very unfortunate, as the old man is probably very poor."
+
+Mark was about to undeceive his mother, but, reflecting that Lyman
+Taylor might still be in the village, he thought it not prudent to
+betray the hermit's secret.
+
+"I heard a report to-day, Mark," said his mother, as she was setting the
+supper table, "that the shoe-shop was to be closed for a month."
+
+"I hope not," said Mark, startled. "That would be serious for us."
+
+"And for others too, Mark."
+
+"Yes. It isn't as if there were other employments open, but there is
+absolutely nothing, unless I could get a chance to do some farm work."
+
+"Perhaps Deacon Miller may need a boy."
+
+"He's about the last man I would work for. He wouldn't pay me a cent."
+
+"Why not, Mark? He wouldn't expect you to work for nothing."
+
+"He claims that I owe him forty-five dollars, and would expect me to
+work it out."
+
+"What do you mean, Mark? How can you owe the deacon forty-five dollars?"
+
+"I don't, but he claims I do."
+
+Mark then told his mother the story of the cow.
+
+"Deacon Miller expects me to pay for it," he concluded, "but I think
+he'll have to take it out in expecting."
+
+"Oh, Mark, I am afraid this will lead to serious trouble," said Mrs.
+Manning, looking distressed. "He may go to law about it."
+
+"He can't make me pay for the damage somebody else did, mother."
+
+"But if he makes out that you shot the cow?"
+
+"I won't trouble about it. It might spoil my appetite for supper. I've
+got a healthy appetite to-night, mother."
+
+"Your story has taken away mine, Mark."
+
+"Don't worry, mother; it will all come right."
+
+"I am afraid worrying comes natural to me, Mark. I've seen more trouble
+than you have, my son."
+
+"Forget it all till supper is over, mother."
+
+Supper was scarcely over when a knock was heard at the door, and John
+Downie entered. He was a boy of Scotch descent, and lived near by.
+
+"How are you, Johnny," said Mark, "won't you have some supper?"
+
+"Thank you, Mark, I've had some. Have you heard about Deacon Miller's
+cow?"
+
+"What about her?" asked Mark, eagerly.
+
+"You know old Whitey?"
+
+"Yes, yes."
+
+"Her eyes are put out by an accidental discharge of a gun, and I guess
+she will have to be killed."
+
+"Do you know who shot her?" asked Mark, with intense interest.
+
+"Yes, I do, but the deacon doesn't," answered John.
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"James Collins. He and Tom Wyman were coming through the pasture, when
+James, in handling his gun awkwardly, managed to discharge it full in
+poor Whitey's face."
+
+"How do you know it was James?"
+
+"Because I saw it. I was in the next field and saw it all."
+
+"Did the boys see you?"
+
+"No; they hurried away as fast as they could go."
+
+"Johnny, you're a trump!" exclaimed Mark, rising and shaking the boy's
+hand vigorously.
+
+"Why am I a trump?" asked Johnny, astonished.
+
+"Because your testimony will clear me. The deacon charges me with
+shooting the cow, and wants me to pay forty-five dollars."
+
+"Gosh!" exclaimed Johnny. "But what makes him think you shot old
+Whitey?"
+
+Mark briefly explained.
+
+"But," said Mrs. Manning, "surely James Collins would not permit you to
+suffer for his fault?"
+
+"You don't know James, mother. That's just what he would do, I feel
+sure. What do you say, Johnny?"
+
+"Jim Collins is just mean enough to do it," answered John.
+
+"He can't do it now, however. Mr. Collins is abundantly able to pay for
+the cow, and I guess he'll have to."
+
+"I don't know how we could ever have paid so large a sum," said the
+widow.
+
+"We shan't have to, mother, that's one comfort."
+
+"There's the deacon coming!" exclaimed Johnny, suddenly.
+
+"So he is! Johnny, just run into the kitchen, and I'll call you when
+you're wanted. We'll have some fun. Mother, don't say a word till we
+hear what the deacon has to say."
+
+By this time the deacon had knocked. Mrs. Manning admitted him, and he
+entered with a preliminary cough.
+
+"Are your family well, deacon?" asked the mother.
+
+"They're middlin', widder, which is a comfort. Families are often a
+source of trouble," and here the deacon glanced sharply at Mark, who,
+rather to his surprise, looked cool and composed.
+
+"That may be, Deacon Miller, but I am thankful that Mark never gives me
+any trouble."
+
+"Don't be too sure of that, ma'am," said the deacon, grimly. "It's about
+that very thing I've come here now. Your son has shot my most valuable
+cow, old Whitey, and I regret to say, widder, that he'll have to make it
+good for me. Forty-five dollars is what the critter is worth, and I
+wouldn't have taken that for her."
+
+"Are you sure Mark shot your cow?" asked Mrs. Manning.
+
+"As sure as I need to be. I caught him standin' by the cow with his gun
+in his hand. The barrel was empty, for I tried it to see."
+
+"What have you to say to this charge, Mark?"
+
+"That Deacon Miller is mistaken. I did not shoot his cow."
+
+"I reckon you'll have to pay for it all the same. Mark Manning. I don't
+want to be hard on a poor widder, but it stands to reason that I should
+be paid for my cow."
+
+"I agree to that," said Mark, "but I'm not the one."
+
+"Mebbe the cow shot herself!" said the deacon, sarcastically. "It may be
+nat'ral for cows to commit suicide, but I never saw one do it as far as
+I can remember. Young man, your story is too thin."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+                       DEACON MILLER GETS A CLUE.
+
+
+MARK was forced to smile at the idea of old Whitey committing suicide.
+The deacon observed his smile, and it provoked him.
+
+"Do you mean to say, Mark Manning, that you think the critter shot
+herself in the face?" he demanded, sharply.
+
+"No, Deacon Miller, I have no such idea."
+
+"That's the same as admittin' that you shot her," said the deacon,
+triumphantly.
+
+"No, it isn't, deacon. I didn't shoot her, but I have no doubt some one
+else did."
+
+"It may have been the cat," remarked the deacon, with a return to
+sarcasm.
+
+"It was probably a two-legged cat," said Mark.
+
+"Jest my idee!" remarked the deacon, quickly, "An' that brings it home
+to you. You was out with a gun, an' I caught you standin' beside the
+cow."
+
+"As to catching me," returned Mark, "there was no catching about it. I
+was crossing the pasture, and was attracted by the poor animal's moans.
+That is the way I happened to be near when you came up."
+
+"That all sounds very smooth," said the deacon, impatiently, "but if you
+didn't shoot the cow, who did?"
+
+"I think that question can be answered, Deacon Miller; John Downie!"
+
+To the deacon's surprise, John came into the room at this summons.
+
+"Johnny," said Mark, "will you tell the deacon who shot his cow!"
+
+"I don't like to tell," objected John; "it wasn't done on purpose."
+
+"Did you do it?" queried the deacon, sharply.
+
+"No, _sir_. I never fired a gun in my life."
+
+"Who did it, then?"
+
+"Must I tell, Mark?"
+
+"Yes, Johnny; Deacon Miller has a right to know; even if it was not done
+on purpose, the one who did it ought to make good the loss."
+
+"That's where you speak sense, Mark," said the deacon, approvingly.
+
+"Then it was Jim Collins."
+
+"James Collins—the squire's son!" repeated the deacon, astonished.
+
+"Yes."
+
+John proceeded to tell the story once more. The deacon, it is needless
+to say, listened very attentively.
+
+"So the boys run away, did they?" he inquired, grimly.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And I s'pose you'd have run away, too, if you had done it, hey?"
+
+"Perhaps I might," answered John, ingenuously. "I s'pose they were
+scared."
+
+"I'll scare 'em," growled the deacon. "Squire Collins is able to make up
+the loss to me, and I mean he shall." Then, with a momentary suspicion,
+"This ain't a story you an' Mark have got up between you, to get him
+off, is it?"
+
+"I will answer that, Deacon Miller," said Mark firmly. "If I had shot
+your cow, I wouldn't have run away, but I'd have gone right to you and
+told you about it, and I'd have paid you just as soon as I could."
+
+"That's right, that's right," said the deacon, approvingly, beginning to
+regard Mark with more favor. "Well, I must go and see the squire. Here,
+you John Downie, come along with me."
+
+"I've got to go home," said John.
+
+"But I can't prove it without you."
+
+"You can tell the squire that I saw it done, and am ready to swear to
+it, if he wants me to."
+
+"Mebbe that'll do if I send for you, you'll come, hey?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The deacon did not feel disposed to postpone what he regarded as
+important business, and he left the cottage, taking the shortest
+direction to the squire's more imposing dwelling. We will precede him.
+
+James Collins and his friend, as already described, ran away as fast as
+their legs could carry them, when they ascertained what damage had been
+done.
+
+No one, so far as they knew, had seen them, and they hoped to escape,
+scot free.
+
+Tom accompanied James home, and stayed to supper. After supper the boys
+went out, and had a conference together.
+
+James felt a little nervous, though he believed that he was safe from
+incurring suspicion.
+
+"I wonder if the deacon has found old Whitey yet?" said James.
+
+"I guess so," answered Tom. "He usually goes after the cows before
+this."
+
+"I wonder how he'll think it happened?"
+
+"Maybe he'll lay it to Mark."
+
+James was not very much disturbed at this supposition.
+
+"That would be a good joke!" he said.
+
+"Not for Mark."
+
+"Mark can take care of himself. He was out with a gun as well as we."
+
+"His mother couldn't afford to pay for the cow," said Tom, who was
+rather more considerate than his companion.
+
+"That's none of my business. And, Tom, there's something I want to say
+to you."
+
+"Go ahead!"
+
+"If Mark is accused, don't you go to saying it's a mistake. Remember
+it's none of your business."
+
+Tom looked uncomfortable, having some conscience.
+
+"It would be rough on a poor woman like Mrs. Manning having to pay for
+the deacon's cow."
+
+"You're mighty considerate, Tom. You might consider me a little. If it
+were known that I shot the cow, father would make me pay at least half
+the bill out of my money in the savings' bank. I thought you were my
+friend!"
+
+"So I am."
+
+"Then you won't betray me. As for Mark, the deacon can't prove it
+against him, so he won't have to pay."
+
+"Then the deacon will lose his cow, and get no pay."
+
+"He can afford it. He's a stingy old lunks, anyway."
+
+"That's true enough."
+
+"And it won't ruin him if he does lose the cow. He's able to buy
+another."
+
+It struck Tom, though he was not over conscientious, that this was not
+exactly the way to regard the matter, but he did not like to offend
+James, and he had ventured to oppose him more than usual already. So he
+remained silent.
+
+James was not quite satisfied with his friend. He was not altogether
+sure of his fidelity.
+
+"I've got only one thing to say, Tom," he added. "If you go back on me,
+and breathe a word of what happened in the pasture, I'll never speak to
+you again as long as I live."
+
+"Who's going back on you? did I say I was?" demanded Tom rather
+irritably.
+
+"All right, then; I only wanted to have the thing understood between us,
+I didn't really think you would be mean enough to tell."
+
+So a satisfactory understanding was established between the two boys,
+and it looked as if Mark was likely to be the victim of their alliance.
+
+But just when James was beginning to feel secure, he was startled by an
+apparition just looming in sight on the highway. It was not a formidable
+figure—that of Deacon Miller—but under the circumstances James turned
+pale and his heart began to beat.
+
+"Tom," he gasped; "isn't that Deacon Miller coming up the road?"
+
+"It's the deacon sure enough!" answered Tom, looking disconcerted.
+
+"Do you think he's coming here?" queried James nervously.
+
+"Looks like it?" muttered Tom.
+
+"Do you think he can have——heard anything?"
+
+"Perhaps he heard that we were out with guns?" suggested Tom. "He may
+have come to make inquiries."
+
+"Just so, now, Tom, be careful not to look as if there was anything the
+matter. We'll be extra polite to the old fellow."
+
+"All right!"
+
+"He may not be coming here after all."
+
+But he was! arrived at the gate Deacon Miller paused, and opening it
+entered the front yard. He looked sharply at the two boys who were
+standing on the lawn.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+                         THE DEACON'S MISSION.
+
+
+ORDINARILY James would not have considered Deacon Miller worth any
+polite attention, but the knowledge of what had happened in the pasture
+had its effect upon him. He thought it necessary by a little attention
+to disarm the deacon's suspicions if he had any.
+
+"Good evening, Deacon Miller," he said politely. "Did you wish to see
+father?"
+
+"Wal," said the deacon deliberately. "I have a little business with him.
+Is he at home?"
+
+"I am pretty sure he is," answered James. "Come in with me, and I'll
+see."
+
+The deacon smiled—an inscrutable smile—and followed James, who opened
+the front door and led him into the parlor.
+
+"You're very obligin'," he said. "I had no idea you was so polite."
+
+"It is the duty of a gentleman to be polite!" said James loftily.
+
+"So 'tis, so 'tis!" returned the old man chuckling in an unaccountable
+manner. "I'm glad you think so. It's a great thing to be a boy, I had
+lots of fun when I was a boy. So do you, hey?"
+
+"Oh yes," answered James indifferently. "But not as much as I could have
+in the city."
+
+"But you couldn't go huntin' and fishin' in the city," said the deacon
+slyly.
+
+James' heart gave a bound. What did the disagreeable old man mean? was
+it possible that he suspected?
+
+"I don't care much for either," he said. "But I'll go and call father."
+
+Presently the squire appeared and invited Deacon Miller into the back
+room, which was used as the family dining and sitting-room.
+
+"Glad to see, you, deacon," said Mr. Collins, who, having political
+aspirations, thought it worth while to be polite to his neighbors.
+
+"I ain't so sure of that, squire, when you know what I come about,"
+returned the deacon with a crafty smile.
+
+"No bad news, I hope, deacon."
+
+"Wal, it ain't good news. You know my cow, old Whitey?"
+
+"Well?" interrogated the squire, looking puzzled. He had heard nothing
+as yet of the accident in the pasture.
+
+"She was shot in the face this afternoon—her eyes totally destroyed. I
+shall have to kill her."
+
+"That's a pity! I sympathize with you, deacon. It must be a great
+disappointment to you. She was a good milker, wasn't she?"
+
+"Fust-rate! I never had a cow that could beat her. She was worth fifty
+dollars easy."
+
+"Very likely," said the squire, innocently, quite unaware of the trap
+which the wily deacon was preparing for him. It will be observed that
+the deacon, finding he had a case against a rich man, had concluded to
+raise the value of the cow by five dollars. "Fifty dollars is a
+considerable loss."
+
+"So 'tis, but I haven't got to lose it. The one that shot old Whitey is
+responsible."
+
+"Who did shoot her?" asked Squire Collins.
+
+"Your boy, James," answered the deacon, slowly.
+
+Squire Collins was very disagreeably surprised. He was not a man who
+liked to part with money, and he saw how he had been trapped.
+
+"Did you see James shoot the cow?" he demanded sharply.
+
+"N—o; I can't say I did," replied the deacon, cautiously.
+
+"I don't believe he did it then. Did he admit it to you?"
+
+"N—o. I didn't ask him about it."
+
+"Then, Deacon Miller, permit me to say that you have no case against
+him, and I am not responsible for your unfortunate loss.
+
+"Somebody else saw it!" remarked the deacon triumphantly.
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"John Downie."
+
+"John Downie! Pooh, he is a mere boy," said the squire, contemptuously.
+
+"He's got as many eyes as you or I, squire," said the deacon, shrewdly.
+
+This was unquestionably true, and the squire felt that he had made a
+foolish objection.
+
+"John Downie may not tell the truth," he said, angrily.
+
+"I'm willin' it should come before the court," said the deacon.
+"Wouldn't it be jest as well to ask your boy about it; he's out in the
+yard."
+
+James was still in the yard. He had half a mind to go away, but was
+anxious about the deacon's errand. When he heard his father's voice
+calling him he turned pale.
+
+"Wait for me, Tom," he said. "If you're asked, don't say I did it."
+
+Tom looked disturbed and uneasy, and did not reply.
+
+James entered his father's presence with a perturbed spirit. He stole a
+glance at the deacon, who sat with his wizened face calm and
+imperturbable.
+
+"Did you want me, father?" asked James.
+
+"James," said his father, abruptly, "Deacon Miller tells me that some
+one has shot his cow, old Whitey, this afternoon, and injured her so
+seriously that she will have to be killed."
+
+"I am sorry to hear it," said James, nervously.
+
+"Do you know who did it?"
+
+"How should I?" asked James, after a pause.
+
+"Wer'n't you out in the pastur' this afternoon?" asked the deacon,
+pointedly.
+
+"Yes," answered James, "Tom Wyman and I crossed the pasture."
+
+"With guns on your shoulders?"
+
+"Ye—es," admitted James.
+
+"Did you see anything of old Whitey?" continued the deacon, persevering
+in his pointed interrogations.
+
+"There were some cows there I remember; I suppose old Whitey was among
+them."
+
+"Did your gun go off while you were in the pasture?"
+
+"Ye—es, I believe it did. It went off accidentally."
+
+"And hit old Whitey?"
+
+"I don't know about that. It may not have hit anything."
+
+"Then you don't know that you hit my cow?"
+
+"I wasn't the only boy in the pasture this afternoon," said James,
+evasively.
+
+"I know all about that. Tom Wyman was with you."
+
+"Yes, and so was Mark Manning. He was out gunning most all the
+afternoon. Have you asked him whether he hit the cow?"
+
+"Yes," answered the deacon; "he says he didn't."
+
+"Of course he would say so," sneered James, more confidently. "He's just
+as likely to have done it as I."
+
+"That's what I thought myself," returned the deacon; "though Mark's a
+middlin' keerful boy. But I changed my mind."
+
+"Because he denied it?" asked James, with a return of the sneer.
+
+"Not exactly. There was a boy saw it done, and he told me who did it."
+
+"What boy saw it done?" asked James, all his apprehensions reviving.
+
+"John Downie."
+
+This was startling news to James.
+
+"And who does he say did it," he forced himself to ask.
+
+"You!" answered Deacon Miller, laconically.
+
+"I don't believe I did it," said James, wavering.
+
+"He says after you shot the cow, you and Tom Wyman ran away as fast as
+your legs could carry you," added the deacon, chuckling.
+
+James turned as red as scarlet, but said nothing. It was clear enough
+that he was guilty, and knew it.
+
+"Deacon Miller," said Squire Collins, "I will look into this matter, and
+if I find James shot your cow, we will make some arrangement about
+payment. Understand clearly, however, that I won't pay any fancy price,
+such as fifty dollars."
+
+"I won't argy the matter now, squire," said the deacon. "Good-evenin'."
+
+"James," said his father, "I won't scold you for a piece of
+carelessness, but whatever compensation is paid to the deacon must come
+from your account in the savings' bank."
+
+This was a sad blow to James, he had a hundred and fifty dollars in the
+bank, and this would make a heavy draft upon it.
+
+He went out into the yard without a word.
+
+"It's all up, Tom," he said. "John Downie has been telling tales about
+me. The first time I see him I'll give him a licking."
+
+"And serve him right, too, little tell-tale!" said Tom.
+
+Johnny did not expect what was in store for him, but he was soon to be
+enlightened.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+                        MARK PROTECTS A FRIEND.
+
+
+SQUIRE COLLINS succeeded in reducing the deacon's claim to thirty-eight
+dollars, and this sum James was obliged to withdraw from his savings in
+the bank. He thought it was very hard, as the shooting was merely an
+accident. He was fond of money, scarcely less so than Deacon Miller
+himself, and it went to his heart to find himself so much poorer than
+before.
+
+"It isn't as if I got any fun out of it," he complained to Tom. "It's
+just money thrown away."
+
+"It is a heavy sum to pay for a trifling carelessness," admitted Tom.
+
+"And I shouldn't have had a cent to pay but for John Downie. Why need
+the boy turn tell-tale?"
+
+"It was mean."
+
+"Mean? I should say so. I mean to come up with the fellow. I mean to
+give him the worst licking he ever had."
+
+Even if Tom disapproved of the intention, he at any rate did not express
+any disapproval, but left it to be understood that he considered it
+perfectly proper.
+
+Three days later the opportunity came. Tom and James were crossing the
+pasture, which had been the scene of the tragedy, when John, whistling
+gayly, met them.
+
+"Now's my chance," said James, triumphantly. "There's the sneak that
+told of me. See how I'll serve him."
+
+John Downie, seeing the boys approaching, nodded his head, saying in a
+friendly manner, "hello!"
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" said James, in a hostile tone, stopping short.
+
+"Yes, it's me. Who did you think it was?" returned John, laughing.
+
+"I've been wanting to meet you, John Downie."
+
+"What for?" asked John. He could not help seeing now that the speaker
+spoke like an enemy.
+
+"To tell you that you are a sneak and a tell-tale."
+
+"What do you mean by that?" demanded John, beginning himself to be
+angry.
+
+"You ought to know without asking. Wasn't it you that told about my
+shooting old Whitey?"
+
+"Well, you did shoot her, didn't you?"
+
+"Suppose I did. You needn't have blurted it out."
+
+"The deacon charged Mark Manning with it. I wasn't going to see him
+suffer for it when I saw you do it."
+
+"You're a great friend of Mark Manning, it seems," said James, with a
+sneer.
+
+"Yes, I am; but, even if I hadn't been, I would have told. His mother is
+poor, and couldn't afford to pay for the cow."
+
+"She'll be poorer yet before long, I'm thinking," said James. "Do you
+know what I'm going to do to you?"
+
+"Perhaps you'll tell me," said John Downie, calmly.
+
+"I'm going to give you a licking."
+
+"If I'll let you."
+
+James laughed derisively; Johnny was two inches shorter than he, and so
+far as appearances went was not as strong. In a contest between the two,
+there was little doubt that James would come out the victor.
+
+"I don't think you'll have much to say in the matter," said James. "Just
+move out of the way, Tom, and give me a chance at him."
+
+Tom did as requested, and James rushed at John with an impetuosity born
+of anger. John prepared to defend himself. The boys were soon grappling,
+trying to trip each other up. Neither knew much of the science of
+fighting, and victory naturally came to the stronger. In about two
+minutes John was on his back, with James kneeling over him, aiming blows
+at his face.
+
+"I told you I'd give you a licking," said James, closing his teeth,
+firmly.
+
+"Oh, let him off, James," said Tom. "This ought to satisfy you."
+
+"But it doesn't. I'm going to give him a lesson he'll remember all his
+life."
+
+James undertook to belabor his fallen opponent, but he had been so
+preoccupied that he did not notice a boy running towards the scene of
+conflict, neither did Tom, who had his back turned.
+
+Luckily for John, Mark Manning was on his way to call upon the hermit,
+when he became an indignant witness of James's brutality. He said
+nothing, but fairly flew across the pasture till he reached the
+battle-field. The first intimation James had of his presence was a
+vigorous grasp of his coat collar, and in an instant he was lying on his
+back close to his late victim, with Mark standing over him.
+
+"I'm ashamed of you, James Collins," he said, sternly. "You're a
+contemptible coward to attack a smaller boy like Johnny."
+
+"Knock him over, Tom," shrieked James, furiously. "I'll give him a
+licking, too."
+
+"It doesn't look much like it," said Mark, with his knee on James's
+breast.
+
+"Help, Tom!" called James, struggling once more.
+
+Tom felt obliged to take an active part in the fight, though it was by
+no means to his taste. He seized Mark by the shoulders, and tried to
+drag him away from his prostrate friend, but by this time John Downie
+was on his feet, and ran forward, giving Tom a push which sent him
+headlong on the other side of James.
+
+"Let me up, you low ruffian!" screamed James.
+
+"Will you promise to behave yourself, then?"
+
+"I will promise nothing."
+
+"Then you can stay here a little longer. What made you attack Johnny?"
+
+"It's none of your business. I'll lick him as often as I please."
+
+"Not while I am around. Johnny, what made him attack you?"
+
+"He said I was a tell-tale, because I told of his shooting the cow."
+
+"And so you are! Let me up, Mark Manning."
+
+"Will you promise?"
+
+"No, I won't."
+
+"Let him up, Mark," said Johnny. "He won't dare to attack me while you
+are here."
+
+"No, I think not. Get up then, James, and take care how you pitch into
+Johnny again. Just as sure as you do, you'll have to settle accounts
+with me."
+
+Released from the pressure that held him down, James rose, angry and
+humiliated. He would sooner have been worsted by any one than Mark,
+whom, for some reason not easy to divine, he especially hated.
+
+"You took me at advantage," he said, sullenly, "or you couldn't have
+thrown me."
+
+"Do you want to try it again?" asked Mark, quietly. "Now we stand face
+to face, and you have as fair a chance as I."
+
+"I don't care to demean myself by fighting with such a low working boy
+as you."
+
+"I commend your prudence, James," said Mark, undisturbed by this taunt.
+"As for being a working boy, I am not ashamed of that."
+
+"You're only a common pegger."
+
+"Very true, I hope to rise higher some time."
+
+"You won't work much longer in my father's shop. I'll have you
+discharged."
+
+"Just as you please. I think I can earn a living in some other way.
+Come, Johnny, if James has no further business with you, we may as well
+go along."
+
+James, appearing to have no wish to resume hostilities, Mark and Johnny
+walked away.
+
+"You won't hear the last of this very soon," said James, as a farewell
+shot.
+
+"Do you think he'll get his father to discharge you, Mark?" asked
+Johnny.
+
+"I think very likely."
+
+"I am very sorry you have got into trouble on my account."
+
+"Don't worry, Johnny. I did right, and am ready to take the
+consequences."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+                          MARK IS DISCHARGED.
+
+
+THE next day Mark, with some misgivings, repaired to the shoe
+manufactory as usual. He knew he had done a bold thing in defending
+Johnny against his employer's son, but he never thought of regretting
+it.
+
+"I would do it again," he said to himself. "Catch me standing by and
+seeing Johnny whipped by any boy, no matter who he is."
+
+Mark laid aside his hat and coat, and went to his customary bench.
+
+He had been at work fifteen minutes only, when Mr. Waite, the head of
+the room, entered, and went up to where he was standing.
+
+"Mr. Collins wants to see you, Mark," he said.
+
+"Do you know what for, Mr. Waite?" Mark asked.
+
+"No, Mark, but I hope it is to raise your wages," said Mr. Waite,
+pleasantly, for he had always liked our hero.
+
+"I am afraid it is something quite different," said Mark, shaking his
+head.
+
+"No trouble, I hope, Mark?"
+
+"I can tell you better when I return."
+
+Mark put on his coat, and went downstairs to the office.
+
+Squire Collins was seated at a desk, with his spectacles astride his
+nose. He looked up as Mark entered.
+
+"Mr. Waite tells me you wish to see me, Mr. Collins," said Mark.
+
+"Yes," said the squire, frowning. "I presume you can guess what I want
+to see you about."
+
+"Perhaps so," answered Mark.
+
+"I understand that you made a violent attack upon my son James in the
+pasture, yesterday afternoon."
+
+"We did have a little difficulty," Mark admitted.
+
+"Ha! I am glad you confess it. James says you made an unprovoked attack
+upon him."
+
+"That is not quite true, Squire Collins; I was very much provoked."
+
+"Did my son attack you first?" demanded the squire, sharply.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"So I thought. Then you have no excuse by your own confession."
+
+"I think I have an excuse."
+
+"I fail to understand what it can be. To me it appears like a
+high-handed outrage of which you were guilty."
+
+"I suppose James did not tell you what he was doing when I attacked
+him?"
+
+"No, I cannot remember that he did. What does that signify?"
+
+"He had John Downie upon the ground, and was beating him brutally."
+
+Squire Collins was somewhat nonplussed at this revelation, as James had
+said nothing about Johnny.
+
+"Well?" he said.
+
+"I ran up, and pulled him off, and prevented him from hurting Johnny."
+
+Squire Collins was rather embarrassed. He saw clearly that his son had
+been in the wrong, yet he was inclined to stand by him. Moreover, it
+chafed him that a poor boy should have presumed to interfere with his
+son, much more use violence towards him.
+
+He drew out his handkerchief and blew his nose, partly to gain time for
+consideration. At length he spoke.
+
+"My son feels very indignant at your presumption in assaulting him," he
+said, "and I wonder myself that you didn't see the impropriety of
+attacking the son of your employer."
+
+"Would you have had me stand by and see Johnny beaten?" asked Mark,
+indignantly.
+
+"I do not feel disposed to argue with you," said the squire, in a
+dignified tone. "I feel compelled to take some action in the matter
+though I regret it. I cannot, of course, retain you in my employ. You
+are discharged. I have made up your account to date, and here is the sum
+due you."
+
+"Very well, sir," answered Mark, quietly, though his heart sank within
+him.
+
+Squire Collins handed him a dollar and thirty-seven cents, and Mark,
+putting them into his pocket, bowed and withdrew.
+
+He went back to the room where his hat hung, and taking it down, said to
+his fellow-workmen:
+
+"Good-bye, boys, I shan't be with you any longer."
+
+"Why, Mark, what's the matter!" asked his next neighbor.
+
+"I'm discharged; that's all."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"I'll tell you some other time—not now."
+
+"Mark, I'm really sorry for this," said Mr. Waite, pressing his hand
+warmly. "I wish you good luck!"
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Waite," answered Mark, his lip quivering a little. "I
+will hope for the best."
+
+Mark walked home with a slow step. He dreaded to tell his mother of his
+discharge, for he knew that she would be still more depressed than
+himself. Youth is hopeful, but middle age is less sanguine.
+
+"I won't go home at once," thought Mark. "I will go to the wood and see
+the hermit. He may have some errand for me, and besides, he may be able
+to give me some advice."
+
+One object which Mark had, however, was to delay breaking the unwelcome
+news to his mother.
+
+He bent his steps towards the pasture, which he must cross in order to
+penetrate to the wood by the usual path.
+
+In a few minutes he entered the cabin, the door of which he found open.
+
+The hermit was no longer reclining, but was seated in a
+rocking-chair—the only article of luxury which the poor dwelling
+contained.
+
+"Good morning, sir!" said Mark. "I hope you are better."
+
+"I am much better. But how does it happen that you come here in the
+morning? I supposed you were at work in the shoe factory."
+
+"I have lost my place there; I was discharged this morning."
+
+"Ha! how is that?"
+
+Upon this Mark told the story of his encounter with the boys in the
+pasture.
+
+"I suppose," he concluded, "that James got me discharged in revenge for
+my interfering with him."
+
+"Then you regret what you did?" inquired the hermit.
+
+"No, I don't," answered Mark, warmly. "I couldn't stand by and see
+Johnny beaten."
+
+"You are right, and I respect you for what you did."
+
+"It is a grievous thing for me, though," said Mark. "It takes away my
+income, and I don't see how mother and I are going to live."
+
+"How much were you paid?"
+
+"About three dollars and a half a week. Sometimes I made a little more
+by over-work."
+
+"You have no occasion to be disturbed. I was about to propose that you
+should leave your place."
+
+Mark looked surprised.
+
+"I will take you into my own employ," added Anthony. "How long have you
+been coming to me?"
+
+"A week, sir."
+
+"You may retain five dollars in compensation from the money you hold of
+mine, and hereafter, as you will give me your whole time, you shall be
+paid at the rate of a dollar a day—that is, seven dollars a week."
+
+"But, sir, you are overpaying me," protested Mark, who thought this
+compensation magnificent.
+
+"Be it so. I can afford it. Let me know when you need more money."
+
+"I have still about fifteen dollars."
+
+"After paying yourself for the last week?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Can I do anything for you now?"
+
+"Yes. I feel like taking a walk. That shows I am better. You may come
+with me, and if I tire myself, I will lean upon your arm in returning."
+
+"With pleasure, sir. I am very glad that you feel better."
+
+"After all," mused the old man, "it is pleasant to have human sympathy.
+I thought I was able to do without it, but I am more dependent than I
+supposed."
+
+They walked for half an hour. When they returned to the cabin, the
+hermit said:
+
+"To-morrow morning I expect a visitor from the city. I wish you to meet
+him at the train, and conduct him here. He is a small man, with a sharp
+look, and will probably be dressed in black. In fact, he is my man of
+business. You need say nothing of this, however, but let people
+conjecture as they will."
+
+"And shall I speak of my arrangement with you, sir?"
+
+"You may merely say that I have engaged you to do my errands. I shall
+not require you again to-day."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+                      GOOD LUCK AFTER MISFORTUNE.
+
+
+MARK'S spirits were wonderfully improved when he left the hermit's
+cabin, and took his way homeward. So far from being injuriously affected
+by his discharge from the shoe-shop, his income was considerably
+increased. Not only this, but he had received five dollars for his past
+week's services over and above what he had been paid for his work in the
+shop.
+
+"Now," thought he. "I can tell mother without minding it."
+
+But his mother had already heard of it. A neighbor, Mrs. Parker, who
+rather enjoyed telling bad news, had heard of it through her son, who
+also worked in the work-shop.
+
+She at once left her work, and hurried over to Mrs. Manning's.
+
+"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," said the widow, cheerfully. "Take a chair,
+do."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Manning, I can't stop a minute. I left my kitchen at
+sixes and sevens, on purpose to condole with you. I declare, it's really
+too bad."
+
+"What is too bad? I don't understand you?" said Mrs. Manning, perplexed.
+
+"About your son Mark, I mean."
+
+"What has happened to him? Is he hurt?" asked the widow, with a pale
+face.
+
+"No, no; hasn't he been home?"
+
+"He is at the shoe-shop, of course."
+
+"No, he is not. He was discharged by Squire Collins this morning."
+
+"Discharged? What for?"
+
+"Don't you know? Some quarrel between Mark and James Collins, I
+believe."
+
+"I am glad he is not hurt."
+
+"But hasn't he been home? I wonder at that."
+
+"I have seen nothing of him since he started for the shop."
+
+"That's strange."
+
+"Poor boy! I suppose he doesn't like to tell me he is discharged,"
+sighed the widow. "It will be a serious thing for us, for I don't know
+where else he will find work."
+
+"O, something will turn up," said Mrs. Parker, who could bear the
+misfortunes of her neighbors very cheerfully. "But I must run home, or
+my dinner will be late."
+
+The more Mrs. Manning thought of Mark's loss of employment, the more
+troubled she felt. Three dollars and a half a week was not a large sum,
+but it was more than half their income, and how they were to make it up
+she could not conjecture. Perhaps she could induce Mark to apologize to
+James, in which case the squire might be induced to take him back. While
+her mind was busy with such thoughts, Mark entered the house whistling.
+His mother was considerably surprised at this evidence of
+light-heartedness under the circumstances.
+
+He entered the room where his mother was at work.
+
+"Well, mother, is dinner almost ready?" he asked.
+
+"It will be ready soon. But oh, Mark, what is this I hear about your
+being discharged from the shoe-shop?"
+
+"It is all true, mother, but you needn't worry over it. We shall get
+along just as well."
+
+"I don't see how. There is no other shop in the village."
+
+"I have another job already, and a better one."
+
+Mrs. Manning opened her eyes in astonishment.
+
+"What can it be?" she asked.
+
+"Old Anthony has hired me to do his errands."
+
+"I am afraid, Mark, that will amount to very little."
+
+"I am to receive five dollars a week."
+
+"Do you really mean this? I thought he was very poor."
+
+"Quite the contrary, mother, but we mustn't say that to others. Let
+people think he is poor. Here are five dollars which he has paid me for
+the last week, though I have worked in the shop, and done very little
+for it. Take it, mother, and use as you need it."
+
+"Will this last, Mark?" asked his mother, almost incredulously.
+
+"I think it will. The hermit seems to have taken a special fancy to me,
+and he says he can well afford to pay me this sum. I say, mother,
+suppose I invite him to take dinner with us next Sunday?"
+
+"With all my heart, Mark. He seems to me like a good Providence who has
+come to our help at this juncture."
+
+"Do you need anything at the store this afternoon?"
+
+"The butter and sugar are out, Mark."
+
+"Give me the five-dollar bill, then, mother, and I will buy some."
+
+Shortly after dinner Mark started for the store. On the way he met
+several persons who condoled with him on his loss of place. They were
+surprised to find that Mark looked cheerful, and even gay.
+
+"Yes," he said, "I've retired from the shoe business on a fortune."
+
+"You don't seem to mind it!"
+
+"No, I can stand it well enough, but I pity Squire Collins for losing my
+valuable services."
+
+"I thought you'd be down in the mouth. You don't seem to care."
+
+"Why should I? Care killed a cat."
+
+Arrived at the store, Mark stepped up to the counter and called for two
+pounds of sugar and two pounds of butter.
+
+Mr. Palmer, the grocer, had heard of Mark's dismissal, and being a
+cautious man, inquired:
+
+"Are you going to pay cash?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"I heard you had lost your place at the shop."
+
+"Yes," answered Mark, smiling, "I discharged Squire Collins."
+
+"It'll be rather hard on you, won't it?"
+
+"I guess I can pay my bills, Mr. Palmer. At any rate I can pay for what
+I am buying now."
+
+The grocer put up the packages, and was surprised when Mark handed him a
+five-dollar bill in payment.
+
+"Seems to me you're flush," he said.
+
+"So it seems," answered Mark, but he volunteered no information.
+
+"I can't make out that boy," said the grocer to his assistant, after
+Mark had gone out. "He looks as if he had got a good place instead of
+losing it. I wonder if the widder's got any money?"
+
+"Not much, except what Mark brings in."
+
+"They'll be asking credit soon, Enoch. Don't trust them till you've
+referred to me."
+
+"No, sir, I won't."
+
+On his way home Mark met the cause of his discharge, James Collins,
+accompanied as usual by his friend, Tom Wyman.
+
+"Hallo!" said James, eying Mark, triumphantly.
+
+"Hallo!"
+
+"Why ain't you at the shop?"
+
+"Probably you know."
+
+"Yes, I do know. You've been discharged."
+
+"I suppose I am indebted to your kindness for that."
+
+"Yes, you are. Perhaps now you will be sorry for your impertinence to me
+in the pasture."
+
+"When I am I'll tell you so. At present I am glad, and would do the same
+thing again."
+
+"How do you expect to live?"
+
+"On victuals and drink, thank you."
+
+"If you have money to buy them," supplemented James, with a malicious
+smile.
+
+"I've got a little money left," and Mark drew out not only his own but
+the hermit's money. "You see I don't depend on work in the shoe-shop."
+
+James was both amazed and annoyed.
+
+"Where did you get that money?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"I am afraid I must leave your curiosity ungratified. I'll tell you, as
+it may interest you, that I should have resigned my place in the shop at
+the end of the week, even if you hadn't kindly got me discharged."
+
+So saying, Mark walked away.
+
+"Where do you think he got that money, Tom?" said James.
+
+"Blamed if I know!"
+
+The next morning Mark walked to the depot to meet the morning train.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII.
+                        THE LITTLE MAN IN BLACK.
+
+
+WHEN the morning train arrived, Mark was on hand. He watched carefully
+for the man he was sent to meet. As it happened, the business agent was
+the last man to leave the train. He stepped upon the platform, and began
+to look about him.
+
+Mark advanced towards him, and raised his hat, politely.
+
+"Is this Mr. Hardy?" he asked.
+
+The small man regarded him sharply.
+
+"Yes," he answered. "Have you a message for me?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I am to conduct you to Mr. Taylor."
+
+"Just so. How is his health?"
+
+"He has had an attack of rheumatism, but is better."
+
+"No wonder he is sick, living in that out-of-the-way place. Do you know
+him well?"
+
+"Pretty well, sir. I am in his employ."
+
+"Ha! then he is living a little more as he should do. What is your
+name?"
+
+"Mark Manning."
+
+"M. M. Just so. Sounds like a fancy name. Is it?"
+
+"No, sir; it's all the name I have," said Mark smiling.
+
+"How long have you been in the employ of Mr. Taylor?"
+
+"Only a little over a week."
+
+"Do you know anything about his history?" demanded Mr. Hardy, with a
+sharp look of inquiry.
+
+"Yes, sir. He has told me something of it."
+
+"Humph! Then he must have confidence in you. Well, let us be starting.
+Is it far?"
+
+"Nearly two miles, sir. Perhaps you will be tired."
+
+"In which case you will perhaps kindly carry me on your shoulders,"
+suggested Mr. Hardy, quizzically.
+
+"I am afraid I shouldn't be able to do that," returned Mark, with a
+smile.
+
+"And yet, I don't believe I weigh much more than you. What is your
+weight?"
+
+"One hundred and twenty-three pounds."
+
+"And I weigh one hundred and twenty-four. I have one pound the advantage
+of you."
+
+Mark, who was a stout boy, was rather pleased to learn that he weighed
+within a pound as much as his companion. I suppose most boys are proud
+of their size.
+
+They had commenced their walk and Mark found that his new acquaintance
+was a fast walker.
+
+"Does Mr. Taylor ever have any visitors?" asked the lawyer, for such was
+his profession.
+
+"Not from the village, sir."
+
+"From any other quarter?" asked Hardy.
+
+"He had a call from his nephew, lately."
+
+"Lyman Taylor?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then he has found his uncle's place of concealment. What do you know of
+the interview?"
+
+Mark gave an account of Lyman's visit, his demand for money, and his
+threatened violence.
+
+"Did he suppose his uncle had money?" inquired the lawyer, in an anxious
+tone.
+
+"He did not suppose he had much, but he wanted a part of it, however
+small."
+
+"Did he succeed in obtaining anything?"
+
+"Mr. Taylor told me to give him five dollars."
+
+"Why you?"
+
+"I had a sum of money belonging to the hermit, in my possession. I used
+to buy things for him in the village."
+
+"Then you think Lyman went away with the impression that my friend—the
+hermit, as you call him—had very little money?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I am sure of it."
+
+"Are you under the same impression?"
+
+"No, sir; Mr Taylor has told me that he is moderately rich."
+
+"That shows he has great confidence in you. Don't breathe a word of it,
+my boy, or this rascally nephew will persecute his uncle, and make his
+life a burden."
+
+"He will learn nothing from me," said Mark firmly.
+
+"You seem a good trustworthy boy—I think my friend made a good choice of
+a confidant."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+At length they reached the cabin in the wood. Old Anthony was already
+outside, waiting for their coming.
+
+"Good morning, my friend," said the lawyer; "the boy tells me you have
+been sick——"
+
+"Yes, I have had a visit from my old enemy, but I am much better."
+
+"To be sick in such a place!" said the lawyer with a shudder.
+
+"I have not suffered, thanks to Mark—will you come in?"
+
+"Let us rather bring chairs outside, if you are provided with such
+luxuries. We shall have several matters to discuss."
+
+Mr. Hardy glanced significantly at Mark, who was leaning against a tree,
+and could of course hear the conversation.
+
+"Mark," said the hermit, "you may go farther away, but return in an
+hour. This gentleman and myself may have some things to speak of which
+are private."
+
+"Certainly, sir."
+
+"Well, old friend," Hardy began, "haven't you had enough of this strange
+existence? you are rich, and can afford all the comforts of life, yet
+you voluntarily surrender them, and bury yourself in this wilderness. Do
+you mean to stay here all your life?"
+
+"I did at one time think it probable, now I am beginning to feel a
+greater interest in life."
+
+"The boy tells me your nephew has found you out?"
+
+"Yes; he came here in quest of money, but he went away convinced that I
+was nearly as poor as himself. If he knew the truth I should be in
+constant danger of robbery, or worse——"
+
+"If you die without a will, is he not your heir?"
+
+"He would be, but I shall make a will. It is partly to give you
+instructions on this point that I have sent for you."
+
+"You have no one else to leave your money to?"
+
+"A part will go to charitable institutions, a part——"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"To one whom I hold in greater regard than my nephew—to the boy, who
+guided you hither."
+
+"Indeed! does he know anything of your purpose?"
+
+"Nothing, and need not."
+
+"You have taken a fancy to him?"
+
+"Yes; he is honest, manly, upright, just such a boy as I should have
+been glad to have for my son. Don't dissuade me, for the thought of
+doing something for him gives me a new interest in life."
+
+"I shall not dissuade you, Anthony, for I believe the boy to be all that
+you say. Of course if you had a blood relation who was deserving, I
+might make an objection. Has this boy relations?"
+
+"Only a mother, who is mainly dependent upon him. By the way, have you
+invested the sum paid in lately?"
+
+"No; but I have an application for it, or I should say, for four-fifths
+of it. Curiously, the applicant lives in this town."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Collins, the shoe manufacturer."
+
+"I am surprised at this. I thought he was rich."
+
+"He has lost money by investments in stocks, and finds himself hard up."
+
+"What does he offer?"
+
+"Seven per cent, secured by a mortgage on his shop."
+
+"Let him have it."
+
+"Are you willing that your name should appear in the matter?"
+
+"No; I shall transfer the sum to Mark, and make you his trustee or
+guardian."
+
+"I understand. Is he to know of his good fortune?"
+
+"Not at present. The boy was discharged only yesterday from the shop of
+this Collins," added Anthony, smiling.
+
+"A good joke!" said the lawyer. "And now the boy lends him money. That
+is returning good for evil."
+
+"Without knowing it."
+
+"Precisely."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+                         AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL.
+
+
+"THERE is a further sum of a thousand dollars," suggested the lawyer.
+"What is your pleasure in regard to that?"
+
+"The boy is to have that too. Deposit it in some savings' bank in your
+own name as his trustee."
+
+"That makes the boy worth five thousand dollars—a large gift."
+
+"Exactly, but I know of no better use for it."
+
+"He is to remain ignorant of this also?"
+
+"For the present, yes."
+
+"Now for your instructions concerning the will. I will note them down,
+and prepare the document for your signature."
+
+These directions were given, one-half of the hermit's property being
+left to certain specified charities, the remaining half to Mark Manning.
+
+The lawyer wrote in silence. Then, pausing, he said:
+
+"Will you allow me, in right of our long friendship, to make one
+suggestion?"
+
+"Surely, John."
+
+"Then let me ask if you are sure that there is no one having a rightful
+claim upon you, and who ought to be considered in this matter?"
+
+"Do you mean Lyman?"
+
+"By no means. He has forfeited any claim he may once have possessed."
+
+"Then what is your meaning?"
+
+"Are you sure that your daughter left no issue?"
+
+Anthony's brow contracted, not with anger but with pain. The old wound
+had not healed.
+
+"I never heard of any," he answered, after a pause.
+
+"Yet there may have been a child."
+
+"And if there were?"
+
+"It would be your grandchild," said the lawyer, firmly.
+
+"And his child," said the hermit, bitterly.
+
+"You should not impute that to the child for blame."
+
+"What would you have me do, old friend?"
+
+"Make provision for the child, if there should be one."
+
+"What would you suggest?" asked Anthony, slowly.
+
+"I don't wish to injure the boy; I would only suggest that charity
+begins at home. Divide your estate into thirds; give one-third to Mark,
+one to the child, if there be one, and one to charity."
+
+"I have no objection to that. But suppose there be no child living?"
+
+"Then divide that third between Mark and the charitable societies you
+have enumerated."
+
+"Wisely counseled, John, but why not give it to you?"
+
+"Because I am moderately rich already, and need nothing more. Then,
+also, it would work against my interest to find the child. I might turn
+out to be as wicked and unprincipled as most lawyers are said to be," he
+concluded, with a smile.
+
+"I have no fear of that. So that is your only objection—"
+
+"It isn't. Give it all to the boy in preference."
+
+"No, let it be as you proposed."
+
+"One thing more. Don't you think it is your duty to ascertain whether
+you have a grandchild? It may be living in poverty; perhaps in actual
+want."
+
+"You are right; I should have thought of that before. But what steps
+would you advise me to take?"
+
+"Send some trusted messenger to the last place where you have
+information that your daughter lived. Have you tidings of her husband?"
+
+"He died first. Both died of typhoid fever, as I learned."
+
+"Where did they die?"
+
+"At a small place in Indiana—Claremont, I think."
+
+"Then you should send there, and make inquiries. It would be well to go
+yourself, if you could bring yourself to do it."
+
+"But I couldn't."
+
+"Then send a trusted messenger."
+
+"I have none whom I could trust—except that boy."
+
+John Hardy looked thoughtful. He appeared to be pondering something.
+Finally he said: "Then send him. He is a boy, but he is faithful and
+discreet. Moreover, I could advise him."
+
+"Let it be so!"
+
+"Can you spare him?"
+
+"Yes, I am quite recovered, and he may not be gone many weeks. If I need
+help I can easily receive it."
+
+"I would suggest a delay of a week or two, or till the will is drawn up
+and signed, and some other business attended to."
+
+"I shall be guided entirely by your advice."
+
+"Now shall I leave you some money?"
+
+"No, I have enough to last for some time to come."
+
+"You don't keep it in this cabin, do you? It would be imprudent. You
+would be exposed to robbery."
+
+"No, I have a place of concealment in the woods. I shall go this
+afternoon, taking Mark with me, to draw from it. It is my bank."
+
+"The bank of the woods," suggested Hardy, laughing.
+
+"Yes."
+
+Presently Mark returned, and conducted the lawyer back to the station.
+Without the boy's remarking it, his elderly companion drew him out,
+weighed him mentally in the balance, and decided that his client was
+not, after all, rash in confiding in a mere boy.
+
+"He's smart and honest!" was his mental verdict.
+
+At the station, he handed Mark a card containing the address of his
+office.
+
+"Unless I am much mistaken," he said, "Mr. Taylor will have occasion to
+send you to my office in the city before long."
+
+"I shall be very glad to come," answered Mark, gladly. "I don't often
+get a chance to come to New York."
+
+The lawyer shook hands with Mark, and boarded the train.
+
+Turning to leave the station, Mark encountered the gaze of his two
+hunting companions, James Collins and Tom Wyman, fixed curiously upon
+him.
+
+"Who is that old file?" asked James, with his usual want of ceremony.
+
+"A gentleman from New York," answered Mark, briefly.
+
+"What's his name?"
+
+"John Hardy."
+
+"How did you run across him?"
+
+"I didn't; he ran across me."
+
+"How did you get acquainted with him?"
+
+"He asked me to be his guide. I walked about with him."
+
+"O, a tourist! Did he give you anything?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then all your time and trouble was thrown away," sneered James.
+
+"I don't know about that. He invited me to call at his office when I
+came to the city."
+
+"That is hardly likely to do you any good. Business doesn't call you to
+the city very often."
+
+"That is true," said Mark, his temper undisturbed.
+
+"A quarter would have helped you more, especially now that you are out
+of work."
+
+"I am glad you sympathize with me, James. Perhaps you will ask your
+father to take me back into the shop?"
+
+"Not after the mean way in which you treated me. I swore I'd come up
+with you, and I have."
+
+"I hope you'll enjoy your revenge."
+
+"I do, you may be sure of that. If you had minded your own business, it
+would have been better for you."
+
+"I am not sure about that. It may surprise you, James, to hear that I
+wouldn't go back to the shop, if your father were to call and ask me to
+do so."
+
+"That's a likely story!"
+
+"Likely or not, it's true."
+
+"I suppose you have come into a fortune," said James, with a sneer.
+
+This was what had actually happened, but Mark had no more knowledge of
+his good fortune than James.
+
+Later in the day Mark presented himself at the cabin in the woods.
+
+"I thought you might have an errand for me," he said.
+
+"So I have," returned the hermit. "Take yonder spade and come with me."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+                           THE HERMIT'S BANK.
+
+
+MARK was considerably surprised by the order he had received. What was
+he do with a spade? They were in the woods, and there was no arable land
+near. However, Mark was sensible enough to understand that it was his
+duty to obey, not to question.
+
+"All right, sir!" he said, but there was a wonder in his look which old
+Anthony noticed with a smile. However, he did not immediately throw any
+light on the mystery.
+
+They walked possibly a quarter of a mile till they reached a
+comparatively open space near the center of which stood a tall tree.
+
+"We will stop here," said Anthony.
+
+Mark lowered the spade, which he had been carrying on his shoulder, and
+waited further instructions.
+
+Old Anthony produced a compass to make sure of his bearings, and a tape
+measure. One end of this he gave to Mark, saying: "Stand by the tree."
+
+Mark, wondering as much as ever, took his position beside the tree.
+
+"A little more on that side!" was the next direction.
+
+When Mark was placed to suit him, Anthony took the other end of the tape
+measure, and measured due east sixteen feet.
+
+"Yes," he said musingly, "this must be the spot."
+
+Marking the spot with a stone, he said:
+
+"Bring the spade to me, Mark."
+
+Mark did so.
+
+"I suppose you wonder what I am going to do?" said the hermit with a
+smile.
+
+"Yes, sir," Mark admitted.
+
+"This is my bank," explained Anthony.
+
+Mark wondered whether the hermit was in his right mind. He stood by
+curious and attentive, while Anthony began to disturb the soil, throwing
+up one spadeful of dirt after another.
+
+He continued at his task for ten minutes, and then desisted.
+
+"I get fatigued easily," he said; "here, Mark, take your turn."
+
+Mark took the spade, and continued the excavation. He was young and
+strong, and bore the fatigue better than his employer. At length he felt
+the spade striking something hard.
+
+"I have struck something," he said.
+
+"Very well, now proceed more carefully, so as not to break the vessel.
+Uncover it, and then I will tell you what to do——"
+
+The hole was now about eighteen inches deep. Mark cleared away some of
+the dirt, and disclosed an earthen pot which appeared to be provided
+with a cover.
+
+"What shall I do now?" he asked.
+
+"Stoop down, and remove the cover, and take out what you find inside."
+
+Mark got down on his knees, and bending over, accomplished what was
+asked of him. To his surprise he saw that the bottom of the pot was
+covered with gold pieces.
+
+"Take them out, and hand them to me," said old Anthony.
+
+"All of them, sir?"
+
+"Yes, I may as well remove them to another place. Besides the balance
+must be small."
+
+The hermit counted the gold pieces, as they were placed in his hands.
+
+"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left!" he said.
+
+To Mark this seemed considerable, though it was evident the pot would
+have contained, if full, many times as much.
+
+"What shall I do with the pot?" asked Mark.
+
+"You can leave it where it is. Anyone is welcome to it, now that it is
+empty. Put the cover on, and some one will one day stumble upon
+treasure."
+
+Mark filled up the hole, and disposed leaves over it so as to conceal
+the work that had been done.
+
+"Very well done, Mark! The last time I did all the work myself, but that
+was before I had the rheumatism. It has stiffened my joints, and
+weakened me as I find. Now let us go back."
+
+Mark once more shouldered the spade, and the two walked back side by
+side.
+
+"I may as well explain how I came to deposit my money there," said old
+Anthony. "I was sensible that it would be dangerous to leave a large sum
+in my cabin, and it was not convenient or agreeable for me to make
+visits to the city from time to time to draw money from my agent. I was
+in the habit of going but once in a year or two, and then bringing with
+me enough to last me for a considerable period. I could, of course, have
+hidden my money under the flooring of my cabin, but that is the very
+place where burglars would have searched, had they done me the honor to
+look upon me as a miser, hiding concealed treasures. It was for this
+reason that I selected a hiding-place so far away from my dwelling.
+Fearing that I might forget the exact place, I chose a particular tree
+as a guide, and then measured a distance of sixteen feet due east. Of
+course there would be no danger of my mistaking the place then."
+
+"Somebody might have seen you digging there, sir."
+
+"True; I used to go early in the morning when no one was likely to be in
+the wood. Besides, I carefully looked about me before beginning to dig,
+to make all secure."
+
+"We didn't look about us this afternoon."
+
+"No, it was not necessary. There is no money left, and as for the
+earthen pot, any one is welcome to it, who will take the trouble to dig
+for it. I fancy it would hardly repay the labor."
+
+"There is still considerable gold; are you not afraid of being robbed?"
+
+"There is a chance of it. I shall therefore give you half of it to keep
+for me."
+
+"I am glad you have so much confidence in my honesty, Mr. Taylor. But I
+hope that no one will suspect that I have so much money, or I might be
+attacked."
+
+"Better give the greater part to your mother to lock up in a trunk or
+bureau drawer."
+
+"I think I will, sir. It seems odd to have you choose me as a banker,
+Mr. Taylor."
+
+"I don't think I shall have any cause to repent it, Mark."
+
+"Nor I, so far as honesty goes, but I might be robbed."
+
+"We will take our chance of that."
+
+                                -------
+
+Mark and his employer supposed themselves alone when they were engaged
+in disinterring the golden treasure, but they were mistaken. Two pairs
+of very curious eyes watched them from behind a clump of bushes. These
+eyes belonged to James Collins and Tom Wyman.
+
+They were in the wood with their guns, looking for squirrels, when they
+saw the approach of Mark and the hermit.
+
+"I wonder what they are going to do," said James. "Mark has got a
+spade."
+
+"I don't know. Suppose we hide, and then we'll find out."
+
+This proposal struck James favorably, and they concealed themselves
+behind a clump of low trees, as already described. With eager eyes they
+watched the preliminary measurement, and the subsequent excavation.
+
+"The old man's a miser," whispered James. "He's got gold hidden there."
+
+"Just what I think," responded Tom, also in a whisper.
+
+"I wonder if there's much."
+
+"Hush! We'll soon see."
+
+They were not near enough to hear what passed between Mark and Anthony,
+but they saw the gold coins which the boy passed to his employer. Then
+they saw the dirt replaced, and the spot made to look as before.
+
+When Mark and Anthony had gone, they emerged from their hiding-place,
+eager and excited.
+
+"Well," said James, drawing a long breath, "we've found the hermit's
+secret. He must be a miser. I wonder how much more gold there is in the
+hole."
+
+"Thousands of dollars, very likely," said Tom, who had a vivid
+imagination. "You know it doesn't take a very big pile of gold to make a
+thousand dollars."
+
+"Mark Manning is pretty thick with old Anthony. He trusts him more than
+I would."
+
+"Mark'll rob him someday. See if he don't."
+
+"I shouldn't wonder. I say, Tom, don't you tell a living soul of what
+we've seen this afternoon. If Mark steals the money, we can expose him.
+He little thinks we know his secret."
+
+Tom agreed to this, and the two boys went home. When they next saw Mark,
+they regarded him with a knowing look that puzzled him.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+                  LYMAN TAYLOR GAINS SOME INFORMATION.
+
+
+WHEN Lyman Taylor left his uncle and returned to the city, he felt that
+his visit had been a failure. His traveling expenses had amounted to
+about two dollars, and he only carried back five dollars with him. Added
+to this, his prospects of remunerative employment were by no means
+brilliant. To work, indeed, he was an enemy, and always had been.
+
+"Blessed if I know how I'm coming out," he said to himself, ruefully;
+"if Uncle Anthony had showed any enterprise, he ought to be well off,
+and able to lend me a helping hand. Instead of which he is settled down
+in a tumble-down shanty in the woods, and isn't doing any good to
+anybody."
+
+Lyman resented it as a wrong done to himself that his uncle was not in a
+condition to help him.
+
+If he were only living in the city now, he might quarter himself upon
+him. As matters stood, it was out of the question. It made him shudder
+to think of becoming a joint tenant of the lonely cabin, with nothing to
+look to but the homely fare, which no doubt contented his uncle.
+
+"I shall have to shift for myself," he reflected with a sigh; "I always
+was unlucky. Other fellows are born with a silver spoon in their mouths,
+and have rich fathers or uncles to provide for them, while I may go to
+the poorhouse for all the help I am likely to get from Uncle Anthony."
+
+Arrived in New York, however, his prospects rose a little. He met an old
+acquaintance on the Bowery, and turned into a billiard saloon, where he
+succeeded in a series of games in raising his small capital to ten
+dollars.
+
+This gave him a hint of a new way to make a living—a way, as he
+considered, infinitely preferable to a life of toil. Henceforth he
+frequented billiard saloons, and occasionally varied his pleasant labors
+by a game of cards. In spite, however, of his praiseworthy efforts to
+make an honest livelihood, there came a time when he was reduced to his
+last quarter of a dollar.
+
+He was sitting moodily in a cheap downtown hotel, when he was addressed
+by a bearded man dressed in rough miner's costume, a type of man more
+frequently met in California or Colorado, than in an Atlantic city.
+
+"Have a cigar, stranger?" asked the bearded man socially.
+
+"Thank you; I don't care if I do," said Lyman with alacrity.
+
+"I'm a stranger in York," said the other, "only arrived yesterday.
+You've got a right smart city here; beats 'Frisco higher'n a kite!"
+
+"Do you come from San Francisco?" asked Lyman with interest.
+
+"I'm from Californy—was up in the mines mostly."
+
+"Did you have much luck?"
+
+"Wal, I made two or three piles, an' lost 'em agin. However, I've got a
+little left. I've always wanted to see York, and thought I might as well
+come on and see it before I lost the last."
+
+"I'm glad to meet you," said Lyman, who was speculating as to whether he
+couldn't make a little something out of his new friend, before his
+"pile" was wholly reduced in size. "I'm an old Californian myself."
+
+"You don't say so? when was you there?"
+
+Lyman mentioned the time, and the country where he had courted fortune.
+
+"You don't say, stranger?" returned the miner. "Why, I was at that
+identical place myself. I bought a mine—leastways me and my partner
+did—of an old man, named Taylor."
+
+"Anthony Taylor?" asked Lyman, eagerly.
+
+"That was the old fellow's name. Did you know him, stranger?"
+
+"I should say I did. He is my uncle. Did you—pay much for the claim?"
+
+"We paid five thousand dollars cash down."
+
+Lyman Taylor whistled in amazement.
+
+"Was it worth it?" he added.
+
+"We took out ten thousand dollars, and I heerd that the old man took out
+as much before selling it to us."
+
+"What month did you buy it?" asked Lyman, breathless.
+
+"Let me see, it was in September. You seem to be interested, stranger?"
+
+"I should say I was. That claim was half mine, and my uncle never gave
+me a cent of the purchase money."
+
+"Where were you all the time?"
+
+"I left in disgust, for we'd worked a long time without making it pay."
+
+"You left too soon. The old man struck it rich some time early in
+August, and carried away ten thousand dollars, besides what we gave him.
+We didn't make so much of a spec, for too much had been taken out
+already. Where is your uncle now?"
+
+"Living in the country. I went up to see him two or three weeks since."
+
+"How's he fixed? Did he hang on to his pile?"
+
+"He's hanging on to it now," answered Lyman, with an oath. "He made out
+he was poor, and sent me off with a beggarly five-dollar note."
+
+"Perhaps he's lost his money."
+
+"More likely he's keeping it out of the way. He ought to give me half he
+made out of the claim."
+
+"I don't know about that, stranger. You gave up and left, and all he
+made afterwards, went of right to him."
+
+Lyman Taylor, however, did not regard the matter in that light.
+Discreetly losing sight of the circumstances under which he left his
+uncle, carrying off all the gold dust he had then accumulated, he
+persuaded himself that he had suffered a great wrong in not having
+shared in the subsequent rich development.
+
+"Just my luck!" he said to himself, moodily.
+
+"If I'd only waited a couple of months I'd have left California a rich
+man. How was I to guess how the claim was going to pan out. I didn't
+think Uncle Anthony would have treated me so meanly. I wonder how much
+he's got left?"
+
+This was an interesting subject of consideration, but unfortunately,
+Lyman had no data to go upon; or, rather, what data he had, were not
+calculated to favor the presumption that his uncle was a rich man.
+
+It did not look very likely that a rich man, or even one moderately
+well-to-do, would voluntarily make his home in a poor cabin, like that
+which old Anthony occupied.
+
+Lyman began to fear that his uncle had managed to lose by bad
+investments the money he had obtained from the claims, and was really as
+poor as appearances would seem to indicate.
+
+"Are you livin' in this hotel?" asked the miner.
+
+"I'm not living anywhere in particular," answered Lyman. "Fact is, I'm
+rather down on my luck. There are no 'piles' to be made in New York."
+
+"I've been there myself, stranger. Here, take this, and pay it back when
+it's convenient."
+
+Lyman eagerly accepted the twenty-dollar gold piece offered him by his
+liberal new acquaintance, and leading the way to the bar, they cemented
+their new-born friendship by a drink in true California style. He then
+proposed a game of cards, but the miner declined.
+
+"I never cared much for keerds," he said. "Excuse me! I don't mind
+playing a game of pool if you're agreeable."
+
+When the two parted, they were sworn friends. Lyman, however, found that
+his miner friend had all his wits about him, and that the twenty dollar
+loan was all he was likely to extract from him.
+
+"I must make another visit to that uncle of mine," said Lyman to
+himself, as he sauntered down the Bowery. "He ought to pay me half the
+money he got for that claim."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII.
+                         ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD.
+
+
+KEEN on the scent of anything likely to turn to his own advantage, Lyman
+Taylor arranged the very next day to make a second visit to Pocasset,
+and find out definitely, if possible, whether his uncle had saved any of
+the large sum which his claim had yielded him.
+
+He hardly knew what to think. Anthony was not the man to waste money on
+extravagant living, but then he might have made poor investments, and
+reduced himself to a pittance. Cases of that kind were common enough in
+California, as Lyman knew well enough.
+
+He preferred, however, to think that his uncle had turned miser, and was
+still the possessor of a handsome fortune. In that case, as the only
+near relative, it ought to come to him some day.
+
+"Let me see," he mused, "how old is Uncle Anthony! Fifty-nine!" he
+resumed, after a mental calculation. "That isn't very old, but he looks
+a good deal older. He is about played out—a physical wreck," he
+reflected, complacently, "and may not live a year.
+
+"In that damp cabin it could not be expected. Of course it's his own
+lookout. If he chooses to live there, I don't see that it's any of my
+business. I ought to come to a friendly understanding with him, and get
+him to recognize me as his heir. I dare say he's got his money hidden
+away in some out-of-the-way place. It would be a sorry joke if he should
+die, and it shouldn't be found."
+
+Lyman shuddered uneasily, as he thought of this contingency.
+
+"He ought to place his money in charge of some competent manager," he
+resumed. "I'd take care of it myself, and save him all business cares,
+if he'd let me."
+
+Lyman did not appreciate the absurdity of this plan. Few persons think
+themselves unfit to be trusted with money. What he thought of his own
+honesty can only be conjectured. Probably he did not regard himself with
+the eyes of those who knew him.
+
+Such thoughts were passing through the mind of the hermit's nephew, as
+he was traveling from New York to Pocasset. Arrived at the depot, he set
+out for the village at a brisk pace.
+
+Presently he espied in advance of him a couple of boys, whose figures
+looked familiar. It did not take him long to recall the two boys he had
+met in the pasture on his former visit. Of course they were James and
+Tom.
+
+"Just the ones I want to see," he said to himself. "I may get some news
+from them."
+
+He quickened his pace, and soon overtook them.
+
+"Good morning, young gentlemen!" he said, urbanely. "I believe we have
+met before."
+
+The boys turned around. They, too, recognized him.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered James. "You are old Anthony's nephew."
+
+"The same! I am glad you remember me. Have you seen or heard of my uncle
+lately?"
+
+"Yes; we saw him yesterday in the wood."
+
+"Has he recovered from his rheumatic attack?"
+
+"I guess so," said Tom. "He is looking pretty well now."
+
+"I came down to inquire his condition. I am his only relative, and
+though he is prejudiced against me, I can't help feeling anxious about
+his health. Can you tell me anything about him?"
+
+"He has that boy, Mark Manning, about him all the time."
+
+"What can be the boy's object in keeping company with a poor old man,
+who has no way of rewarding him?"
+
+"I am not so sure about that," said James.
+
+"About what?" asked Lyman, quickly.
+
+"About his being poor."
+
+"Have you any reason to think my uncle has money?" asked Lyman, eagerly,
+fixing a sharp glance of inquiry on the speaker.
+
+James looked at Tom, as if to consult him about the propriety of telling
+what he knew.
+
+"As I am his nephew and only relation, and—heir," continued Lyman, "you
+can freely tell me anything you have found out."
+
+"Would you?" asked James, turning to his companion.
+
+"I don't see why not," returned Tom.
+
+"Then," said James, who rather enjoyed the prospect of telling the
+story, "I'll tell you what I saw the other day—that is, Tom and I."
+
+"Yes, yes, what did you see?" interrupted Lyman, eagerly.
+
+"We were out in the woods about a quarter of a mile from the hermit's
+cabin, when we all at once heard voices. Slipping behind a tree we saw
+old Anthony and Mark coming along. Mark had a spade over his shoulder.
+We wondered what it all meant, and so kept hidden. Well, the two came up
+to a big tree, and then measured with a tape measure to a place about a
+rod distant. Then old Anthony took the spade and began to dig. But I
+guess he got tired, for pretty soon he gave the spade to Mark, and got
+him to dig."
+
+"Well?" ejaculated Lyman, who was listening with intense interest.
+
+"Pretty soon he struck something hard. It turned out to be an earthen
+pot with a cover."
+
+"Did they take it up?"
+
+"No; but Mark took off the cover, and then took out, oh, such a lot of
+gold pieces."
+
+"Just what I thought!" exclaimed Lyman, in excitement. "I was sure my
+uncle kept his money hidden in the ground somewhere. Do you know how
+much money he took out of the jar?"
+
+"There must have been hundreds of dollars—maybe a thousand."
+
+"And what then?"
+
+"The cover was put on again, and then Mark filled up the hole, and
+covered it with leaves, so that nobody would think the ground had been
+disturbed, then they went away."
+
+"That shows there must be more money there, don't you think so?"
+
+"Of course, or they wouldn't have taken so much trouble to cover it up
+again," answered James, readily.
+
+"You are right. I see you are sharp. What a fine detective you would
+make!"
+
+James looked pleased at this compliment, and it inclined him in favor of
+the appreciative stranger.
+
+"Do you think," asked Lyman, after a pause, "you could find the spot
+again?"
+
+"Yes, I guess so. Why?"
+
+"I should like to go there."
+
+"But," objected James, cautiously, "what would you do if you found it?"
+
+"I would dig down and find the jar."
+
+"But you would have no right to do that; the money belongs to old
+Anthony."
+
+"Who is my uncle. But you are mistaken. I don't want to take it. I want
+to see if the gold is still there."
+
+"Why shouldn't it be?"
+
+"Because," answered Lyman, with a lucky thought, "the boy knows where it
+is. What is to prevent his going there by himself and carrying off all
+there is. My uncle would have no proof that it was he."
+
+"I never thought of that," said James, quickly. "It would be just like
+Mark."
+
+"Do you think he is honest?"
+
+"I wouldn't answer for him. He is a poor boy."
+
+"Exactly, and the gold would be a great temptation. As the legal heir of
+Uncle Anthony, I think I ought to look into the matter. Suppose my uncle
+should die, wouldn't this Mark get the money, even if he hasn't done it
+already, and no one would be the wiser?"
+
+"Of course!" James readily assented. "What do you want us to do?"
+
+"Lead me to the place, and let me see for myself if the money is still
+there."
+
+"Shall we, Tom?"
+
+"I think it would be only fair."
+
+"Then come along. I'll get a spade from the house as we pass."
+
+The spade was obtained, and the three set out for the wood.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII.
+                        LYMAN'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+JAMES was not without his share of curiosity, and he was strongly
+desirous of seeing with his own eyes the pot of gold, and so learning
+how rich the hermit was.
+
+Prejudiced as he was against Mark, he did not really believe the boy
+would appropriate money that did not belong to him, though it would have
+been a satisfaction to him to find that his enemy was in a scrape.
+
+"That boy, Mark, seems to be an artful young rascal," Lyman Taylor
+remarked, as they were walking along together.
+
+"He is all of that," said James, emphatically.
+
+"My uncle is old, and his mind is weak. He is very likely to be
+influenced by a sharp, unprincipled boy."
+
+"It's lucky you came down here to watch him."
+
+"That depends on whether I am able to put a spoke in his wheel."
+
+"Do you know whether your uncle has much money?"
+
+"I don't know, positively, but I have heard he was very successful in
+California."
+
+"If he is rich, I shouldn't think he would live in such a tumble-down
+cabin," said Tom.
+
+"Perhaps he has become a miser. His burying money looks like it."
+
+They entered the wood, and as the boys knew their way all over it, they
+were able to go straight to the tree.
+
+"It was from this tree that old Anthony measured," said James.
+
+"Can you tell in what direction?" inquired Lyman, anxiously.
+
+"This way, I am sure."
+
+"Do you know how far?"
+
+"Not exactly, but we can tell by seeing where the ground has been
+disturbed."
+
+Lyman Taylor took the spade and began to dig vigorously. Such hard work
+was not generally to his taste, but now he was spurred by a powerful
+motive.
+
+He would not have been sorry, now that he had obtained the information
+he required, if the boys had left him to work alone. But this they had
+no intention of doing. They were very curious to see the treasure
+unearthed, and ascertain how much there was.
+
+At length, the spade struck the earthen pot.
+
+"I've touched it!" exclaimed Lyman, triumphantly.
+
+He worked with redoubled energy, and soon laid bare the buried vessel.
+
+The boys drew near, eagerly, and looked into the hole.
+
+Lyman threw himself down upon his knees, and removed the cover of the
+jar. No sooner had he done so, when he uttered a fierce cry of
+disappointment.
+
+"Boys," he said, looking up with haggard face, "there's nothing there!"
+
+"No gold in the jar?" asked James, with a blank look.
+
+"Not a particle. Are you sure there was any left?"
+
+"We couldn't see, but it stands to reason that it would not have been so
+carefully covered up unless there had been some left."
+
+"You are right there. Now, what has become of it?"
+
+"Can Mark have taken it?" said James, turning to Tom.
+
+"I don't know," answered Tom, doubtfully.
+
+"That's just what happened. I'd like to wring the young rascal's neck,"
+said Lyman, fiercely.
+
+"What are you going to do about it?" asked James, curiously.
+
+"I say, boys, it's pretty hard luck," complained Lyman, "to see yourself
+robbed by an artful young scoundrel. He's just taken in Uncle Anthony by
+his artful ways, and is laying a trap for his money."
+
+"I see now," said James, quickly. "That's what he meant by not caring
+about losing his place in my father's shop."
+
+"I'll go and warn my uncle against him," said Lyman. "Boys, will you
+show me the shortest way to the cabin?"
+
+"Certainly, with pleasure."
+
+Pleased with the idea of getting Mark into a scrape, James guided the
+disappointed nephew to the hermit's dwelling.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+                      THE HERMIT RECEIVES A CALL.
+
+
+OLD Anthony was sitting in his doorway, thoughtfully smoking a pipe,
+when, chancing to lift his eyes, his gaze fell upon the figure of his
+nephew advancing towards the cabin. It was a surprise, and not a
+pleasant one. He could not divine Lyman's object in making this second
+visit.
+
+"How are you getting along, Uncle Anthony?" inquired Lyman, in a
+conciliatory tone.
+
+"Have you come all the way from New York to ask me that question?" said
+the hermit, dryly.
+
+"Well, not altogether. Still, I wanted to know whether you were better."
+
+"I have got over my rheumatic attack," said Anthony, shortly.
+
+"I'm very glad. At your age it must be uncomfortable to be
+sick—especially in such a place. Can't I persuade you to come to New
+York, and take comfortable lodgings?"
+
+"Why should you desire it? Perhaps you would propose to live with me?"
+
+"And if I did, being your only relative, it would be natural enough.
+With your means——"
+
+"What do you know of my means?" demanded the hermit, sharply.
+
+"I have reason to think you are better off than your position would
+indicate," announced Lyman, watching the effect of the assertion on his
+uncle.
+
+"What reason?" inquired Anthony.
+
+"Well, I know you were very successful in California—after I left you.
+You struck it rich, made a great deal of money, and then sold the claim
+for a good round sum."
+
+Anthony's countenance did not change, though the communication was by no
+means a welcome one.
+
+"How much of this money do you think I have now?" he asked, at length.
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"And I don't propose to tell you."
+
+"I know you have some of it!"
+
+"Very possibly. I cannot live for nothing."
+
+"And I know where you keep it," added Lyman, provoked by his uncle's
+manner.
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"But I can't commend your prudence in putting your money where it is so
+likely to be found—and taken."
+
+"Be a little more explicit. Let me know just what you mean."
+
+"Burying money in the ground is not very wise."
+
+Old Anthony was taken by surprise, and showed it.
+
+"So you know this? Where did you obtain the information?" he asked.
+
+"From some one who saw you and the boy, Mark, digging for it."
+
+"Well," said the old man, quietly, "I know of no better place. People
+are honest round here, and it will not be taken."
+
+"I agree with you there, Uncle Anthony. It won't be taken for a very
+good reason. There is none there. The jar is empty."
+
+"How do you know this, Lyman?" demanded the hermit, with a searching
+look.
+
+Lyman hesitated, but it seemed necessary to tell the truth.
+
+"Because, when I learned that you had been so imprudent as to let the
+boy into your secret, I concluded at once that he would take advantage
+of his knowledge, and rob you. I therefore uncovered the place, and
+found it as I suspected. The jar is empty."
+
+Old Anthony betrayed no excitement on hearing this.
+
+"It is quite true," he said, quietly. "All the gold has been taken."
+
+"You knew this?"
+
+"Certainly. I took the last gold piece myself. Having no occasion for
+the jar, I left it there. You are certainly very kind to take so much
+interest in the safety of my property, but it is needless. I am still
+able to take care of what money I have left."
+
+Lyman's face fell. He began to suspect that this was only too true.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX.
+                          HOW LYMAN SUCCEEDED.
+
+
+"I AM afraid you misjudge me, Uncle Anthony," said Lyman, after a pause,
+during which he reflected that his best course was, if possible, to make
+a favorable impression upon the relative who might be in possession of
+considerable property. "I am afraid that you are prejudiced against me."
+
+"You must admit that I have reason," said his uncle, dryly.
+
+"It is true," replied Lyman, with an engaging frankness; "I did not
+treat you well in California."
+
+"I should say not. You disappeared, carrying away two thousand dollars,
+leaving me penniless."
+
+"Of course I was wrong. Still you had the claim, out of which you made a
+good deal more within a short time."
+
+"When you left me," said the hermit, quietly, "it looked as if it were
+worthless. That it proved otherwise, was my good fortune."
+
+"I won't argue the matter, Uncle Anthony. I was young and heedless."
+
+"Wicked would be a better word."
+
+"And I have had bad luck; I am almost penniless now. If you would be
+willing to help me——"
+
+"To what extent do you want help?" asked Anthony, abruptly.
+
+"If you could lend me fifty dollars, it would set me on my feet."
+
+"And in a week or two you would be coming back for more."
+
+"Upon my honor——"
+
+"How much honor have you?" asked his uncle, contemptuously. "Would you
+like to go West?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I will give you the means of getting there."
+
+Lyman was under the impression that his uncle proposed to hand him a sum
+of money, out of which he decided to buy a western ticket if it suited
+his convenience; Uncle Anthony would be none the wiser.
+
+"Yes, uncle, if you will give me a hundred dollars, I will go to
+Chicago, and seek there a chance to make an honest livelihood."
+
+"Very well."
+
+Old Anthony took out a memorandum book, tore a leaf from it, and wrote a
+few lines, which he handed to his nephew.
+
+"What is this?" asked Lyman, suspiciously.
+
+"It is an order on a friend of mine in New York for a Chicago railroad
+ticket."
+
+"And the money?"
+
+"He will give you an order on a firm in Chicago for the balance of the
+money, which will be paid you there."
+
+Lyman's countenance fell. It was clear that the trick which he intended
+to play on his uncle would be impossible.
+
+"It seems to me," he said, "it would be better to give me the money at
+once."
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"I hope you have no suspicions of my good faith."
+
+"I won't express my opinion on that subject. I will only say that the
+arrangement I have suggested suits me best."
+
+"Well," said Lyman, slowly, "I will try to win your good opinion. I am
+afraid I have not money enough to get back to the city."
+
+He had over ten dollars in his pocket at that moment, but it struck him
+that he had a good excuse for securing a little more.
+
+The hermit smiled contemptuously.
+
+"Then suppose I had had no money to give you—how would you have got back
+to the city? Perhaps you meant to stay with me?"
+
+"I will, Uncle Anthony, if you desire it."
+
+"Thank you. I won't trouble you."
+
+"I should have had to walk back. But, uncle, I can't leave you without a
+word of warning."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"That boy, Mark, I am sure is scheming to rob you."
+
+"What do you know of Mark?"
+
+"I know the reputation he bears in the town. I know he has been
+discharged from the shoe-shop."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"Two boys whom I met. One is the son of Mark's employer."
+
+"I know the boys you mean. They dislike Mark, but I prefer him to them."
+
+A noise was heard at the door, and Mark entered.
+
+He looked in surprise at the visitor, whom he instantly recognized.
+
+"You see, Mark," said the hermit, "my nephew has kindly called to see me
+again. He felt anxious about my health."
+
+"I feel relieved to find you so much better, uncle," said Lyman, by no
+means abashed at the hermit's ironical words.
+
+"It is the more creditable to him, this solicitude, because he had only
+money enough to pay his fare one way. Mark, you may give him five
+dollars."
+
+"Very well, sir,"
+
+Mark drew a five-dollar gold piece from his pocket, and handed it to
+Lyman.
+
+"Does Mark carry all your money, uncle?" asked Lyman.
+
+"Not quite all."
+
+"I hope he won't take a fancy to travel at your expense."
+
+Mark's face flushed indignantly, but he left old Anthony to answer for
+him.
+
+"I have perfect confidence in Mark," he said.
+
+"Thank you, sir," Mark responded, gratefully.
+
+"Have you anything for me to do this morning?" the boy asked.
+
+"No; I will give you a list of articles which you may bring me from the
+village to-morrow."
+
+"Then I will return, as I have some work to do at home."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"I will go along with you, Mark," said Lyman, suddenly.
+
+"If you wish," answered Mark, but he would rather have gone alone.
+
+"Good-by, Uncle Anthony. It may be a good while before I see you again.
+If you need me at any time, write or telegraph."
+
+"I will bear it in mind," said the old man, dryly.
+
+Mark and the dutiful nephew left the cabin together.
+
+"You've got a soft place, youngster," Lyman began.
+
+"I have an easy place, and a kind employer," said Mark.
+
+"So you carry the old man's money, hey?"
+
+"Some of it," answered Mark, eying his companion, suspiciously.
+
+"Don't looked scared, boy. I'm not going to rob you. I only want to ask
+you a few questions. How much money did you and he take from that buried
+jar the other day?"
+
+"Who told you about it?" asked Mark, in surprise.
+
+"O, I know more about the old man's affairs than you suppose," chuckled
+Lyman.
+
+"I can't tell you."
+
+"Won't, you mean," returned Lyman, scowling.
+
+"I have no right to do so."
+
+"Look here, boy, do you know that I am my uncle's heir?"
+
+"He never told me so."
+
+"Then I tell you so."
+
+"I hear you, sir."
+
+"I'll tell you something else. I believe you are trying to worm yourself
+into my uncle's confidence, so as to rob him—and me."
+
+"Your thinking so doesn't make it so," said Mark, angrily.
+
+"I warn you that you had better think twice before you play such a
+dangerous game. You have a bad reputation in the village."
+
+"Who told you so?" demanded Mark, indignantly.
+
+"Two of your companions."
+
+"James Collins and Tom Wyman probably!" said Mark, contemptuously.
+
+"I know you were discharged from your place in the shoe-shop."
+
+"But for no good reason."
+
+"That's what you say. How much money of my uncle's have you in your
+pocket?"
+
+"That I don't choose to tell," said Mark, firmly.
+
+Lyman felt a strong inclination to take the money by force, but prudence
+restrained him. In that case, the order which he carried would not be
+honored, and he would probably lose more than he would gain.
+
+Mark was apprehensive of an attack, and it was with joy that he caught
+sight a little way in advance of James and Tom, whom under other
+circumstances he would not have cared to meet.
+
+"You will now have company," he said, "and I will hurry along."
+
+Lyman did not oppose his purpose, and joined the two boys.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+                        ALL ABOARD FOR NEW YORK.
+
+
+THE next day Mark found a letter in the post-office directed to Anthony
+Taylor. According to custom it appeared in a written list containing the
+letters of those who had no boxes.
+
+Mark called for it.
+
+"Who is Anthony Taylor?" asked Tom Wyman, who happened to be attending
+the office for his father.
+
+"Old Anthony," as the boys call him.
+
+"I wonder if there's money in it!" said Tom, holding up the letter, and
+trying to peep inside.
+
+"That's none of our business," answered Mark.
+
+"Oh, you're mighty virtuous!" sneered Tom. "If there is any money, I'll
+bet you'll get a share of it."
+
+"I get no money except my wages."
+
+"How much does he pay you?"
+
+"I would rather not tell," returned Mark, with a smile. "You might try
+to get my place away."
+
+"As if I would work for an old tramp like the hermit!" exclaimed Tom,
+disdainfully. "I suppose he pays you about a dollar a week."
+
+"That's better than doing nothing, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, it's better for you. I don't want your place. I shall go to the
+city when my school days are over."
+
+"I wish you good luck, Tom, whenever you do," said Mark, good-naturedly.
+"I must hurry along with my letter."
+
+"A letter for you, Mr. Taylor," announced Mark, as he entered the cabin.
+
+"From John Hardy," said the hermit, as he scanned the address.
+
+He opened the letter and read as follows:
+
+    "MY DEAR OLD FRIEND: Your will is drafted and ready for signature.
+    You had better come up to the city, and sign it. I know your
+    reluctance to leave your forest home, but it will occur to you at
+    once that your signature must be witnessed, and though witnesses
+    might be found in Pocasset, it would involve a degree of publicity
+    which I presume you would wish to avoid. Here I can easily get it
+    witnessed by my clerks.
+
+    "I suggest that you bring the boy, Mark, with you, as he may be of
+    service to you. Moreover, I think it is high time that we spoke to
+    him of the mission on which you propose to send him.
+
+    "Your worthy nephew, Lyman, called upon me to-day with your letter.
+    He wished me to furnish him with the money needed for his ticket,
+    but I thought it better to send a clerk to purchase the ticket, and
+    see him fairly off. He has just returned, and reports that Lyman is
+    on the way to Chicago. I think you showed considerable shrewdness in
+    securing his removal from this neighborhood. He may return, to be
+    sure, but the chances are that he will spend all the money, and find
+    himself stranded in Chicago. If this compels him to work for a
+    living, no harm will result.
+
+                                                   "Your friend as ever.
+                                                   "JOHN HARDY."
+
+Old Anthony laid down the letter thoughtfully. He was reluctant to go to
+New York, but saw that it was necessary. His reluctance was diminished
+by the prospect of having Mark's company.
+
+"Mark," he said, "can you go to New York with me to-morrow?"
+
+Mark stared at his employer in amazement. The proposal was very
+unexpected.
+
+"I am obliged to go up on business," explained the hermit. "I wish I
+could delegate it to you, but I must attend to it myself. It is so long
+since I have been in a crowd, that I believe I shall need some one to
+take care of me."
+
+"I shall be very happy to accompany you, sir," said Mark, with alacrity.
+
+"At what time does the morning train leave the station?"
+
+"Nine o'clock, sir."
+
+"Then meet me there at fifteen minutes before the hour."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+"When shall we return?" asked Mark, after a pause.
+
+"When does the afternoon train leave the city?"
+
+"At three o'clock."
+
+"We will return then."
+
+"I only wanted to tell my mother when to expect me."
+
+It must be admitted that old Anthony looked like an antediluvian figure
+in his old-fashioned coat, with a short waist and long tails, as he
+stood on the platform the next morning waiting for the train. Two or
+three of the village boys laughed rudely, but the hermit was buried in
+thought, and took no notice of them. Mark, himself, thought his employer
+looked queer, but he saw nothing to laugh at.
+
+"Are you going to town with old Anthony?" asked one of the boys.
+
+"Yes," answered Mark.
+
+"People will take him for your grandfather."
+
+"I don't mind."
+
+"He looks like a rusty old tramp. His coat looks as if it was made in
+the year one."
+
+"He has a right to consult his own taste. He has been kind to me, and I
+don't care to listen to any rude remarks."
+
+"You may buy two tickets, Mark," said the hermit.
+
+Mark did so.
+
+Just as he was leaving the ticket-window, his former employer, Mr.
+Collins, the shoe manufacturer, took his place.
+
+"Are you going to the city?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Who goes with you?"
+
+"Mr. Taylor."
+
+"Mr. Taylor?"
+
+"The—the hermit."
+
+"Oh!" returned the manufacturer, arching his brows, "are you working for
+him?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You might have been working for me, if you had behaved yourself."
+
+"I am satisfied with the change," answered Mark.
+
+"That boy is impertinent," soliloquized the village magnate. "He can't
+get much pay from a pauper. However, it serves him right. Of course, it
+is only pride that makes him profess to be satisfied."
+
+Mark would have been surprised, had he known that Mr. Collins was going
+up to the city to call upon the person with whom the hermit had
+business. Such was the fact, however. Mr. Collins had applied to Mr.
+Hardy for a sum of four thousand dollars, mortgaging therefor, his large
+shoe manufactory, which had originally cost double this sum.
+
+As Mr. Hardy told old Anthony, he had ventured into Wall Street, and the
+losses he had incurred there, had forced him to raise money in this way.
+
+To-day had been fixed by Mr. Hardy for the execution of the papers, and
+the transfer of the sum required. Twelve o'clock was the hour appointed
+by Mr. Hardy, for his business with the manufacturer.
+
+"What on earth can carry that old scarecrow up to New York?" thought Mr.
+Collins, as he eyed curiously old Anthony, who, with Mark, was seated a
+few steps in front of him, in the same car. "I suppose he has a pension
+from some source, and is going to collect it."
+
+It may be remarked that James Collins had never communicated to his
+father the discovery made in the forest, connected with the pot of gold.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXII.
+                       IN AN OFFICE ON BROADWAY.
+
+
+MR. HARDY'S office was in a large, high building, on Broadway. It was
+the fifth floor, but there was an elevator constantly running, which
+made it nearly as easy of access as if it had been on the first.
+
+Mark had never before ridden in an elevator, and he enjoyed the novelty
+of it. From a directory, near the entrance, they ascertained that Mr.
+Hardy occupied office No. 55, and this was easily found.
+
+"Welcome to New York," said the agent, advancing cordially, to greet his
+visitors. "Good morning, Mark. So you have piloted my old friend
+safely."
+
+"I think he has piloted me, sir. I know very little of the city."
+
+"I have not been here for five years," said Anthony, reflectively. "I am
+unused to the noise, and it confuses me."
+
+"I like it," said Mark.
+
+"You are young, and enjoy new and busy scenes," said Mr. Hardy. "Would
+you like to travel?"
+
+"Very much, sir."
+
+"Perhaps you may some time."
+
+"I am afraid it will be a long time before I am able."
+
+"Possibly not."
+
+Mark, however, did not detect any special significance in these words.
+
+"You may sit down here, and read a morning paper, Mark," said the agent,
+"while I transact a little business with Mr. Taylor."
+
+The two entered an inner office, where Mr. Hardy produced an
+official-looking document, to which he called the attention of the
+hermit.
+
+"Read it over," he said, "and see if it meets your views."
+
+"Precisely," answered Anthony, after he had taken the time necessary to
+read it.
+
+"Then it may as well be signed at once."
+
+Mr. Hardy summoned three clerks from the outer office, and in their
+presence as witnesses the will was signed.
+
+"I suppose I may as well leave the document with you, John," said
+Anthony.
+
+"It will be as well. Now, about the other matter. It seems to me you may
+as well send Mark at once in search of some clue to the possible
+existence of a grandchild. Before doing so, however, may I suggest
+something?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"I don't like the idea of your living in that lonely cabin. Why can't
+you seek a home in the house of your young secretary? Has he a good
+mother?"
+
+"She is a very worthy woman."
+
+"Has she a room for you?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"What do you think of my proposal?"
+
+"I have been thinking of such a change myself. For the first time in
+five years I am beginning to find my cabin home monotonous."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. You will be much better off in a home where you
+can be taken care of."
+
+"I will attend to the matter without delay on my return."
+
+"So far, so good. Now, let me call in Mark, and speak to him of our
+plan."
+
+Mark, at the summons, entered the back office.
+
+"Mark," said Mr. Hardy, "we want you to take a journey."
+
+"I shall be very glad to do so, sir."
+
+"It will be a long one."
+
+"The longer the better," answered Mark, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"Your first stopping place will be Chicago."
+
+The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement.
+
+"I should like nothing better," he said.
+
+"The commission will be to trace out Mr. Taylor's daughter, and find out
+whether she left a child. Necessary instructions will be given in
+writing."
+
+"Do you think I am old enough?" asked Mark, excited but doubtful whether
+he was competent for the duty assigned him.
+
+"Discretion is more needful than age," answered Mr. Hardy. "Perhaps an
+older messenger would be better, but as my friend wishes to avoid
+publicity, he is disposed to try you. Would your mother be willing to
+have you go?"
+
+"I think so, sir, but I hate to leave her alone."
+
+"Mr. Taylor proposes to board with her while you are absent, if you
+think she would be willing to receive him."
+
+"I know she would be glad to secure such a boarder," answered Mark,
+quickly; "with that help she would be able to get along very well."
+
+"Then that matter is probably settled. Now a few words to guide you in
+your quest."
+
+These words need not be repeated here, as in following Mark's journey it
+will be understood what they were.
+
+Their business concluded, Mark and the hermit left the office and
+descended to the ground floor.
+
+They were just leaving the building when Squire Collins entered.
+
+He arched his brows in surprise. "You here?" he said, addressing Mark.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"On what errand?"
+
+Mark was privately of opinion that he had as much right to ask the
+manufacturer's business as the latter his, but he answered: "Mr. Taylor
+had business here."
+
+Squire Collins smiled contemptuously. It did not strike him that the
+hermit's business was likely to be of any great moment. So people often
+deceive themselves and assume a superiority to which they have little
+claim.
+
+"Probably old Anthony has just been paid his pension," he thought, as he
+left them, and made his way to the elevator.
+
+He, too, ascended to the fifth floor, and leaving it there went to John
+Hardy's office.
+
+"Good morning, Mr. Collins," said Hardy. He knew nothing of the
+manufacturer's home title. "I shall be at leisure in five minutes."
+
+The five minutes passed.
+
+"Now I am at your service," he said.
+
+"Have you decided to let me have the money, Mr. Hardy?" asked the
+manufacturer, trying to conceal his anxiety.
+
+"Taking as security a mortgage on your manufactory?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I think I can let you have it."
+
+Squire Collins looked much relieved.
+
+"You will find the security ample," he said. "The building is worth
+double the sum I am borrowing."
+
+"Is it well insured?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"The policies of insurance must be placed in my hands."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"I have to take all precautions, as the money is not mine, but belongs
+to a boy for whom I am trustee."
+
+"I see."
+
+Squire Collins had no curiosity as to the name of the boy referred to.
+He would have been very much amazed had he been told that it was the
+very boy whom he had discharged from his employment only a short time
+previous. For that matter, Mark would have been quite as much surprised.
+
+In the course of half an hour the proper papers had been made out, a
+check for four thousand dollars handed to Squire Collins, and the shoe
+manufacturer left the office in as good spirits as Mark had done half an
+hour before.
+
+"By-the-way," remarked the Squire at his supper table that evening, "I
+met two persons from Pocasset in the city to-day."
+
+"Who were they?" asked James.
+
+"Old Anthony and Mark Manning."
+
+"What could have taken them to the city?"
+
+"I presume Anthony receives a small pension from some source, and went
+up to collect it."
+
+"I think it very likely," said James, thinking of what he had seen in
+the forest. "I presume it isn't much."
+
+"Probably not."
+
+"I shouldn't think he'd have gone to the expense of taking Mark."
+
+"The old man looked dazed. I presume he doesn't feel safe in going
+alone."
+
+"Very likely Mark asked to go. He's fastened himself on the old man, and
+means to get all he can out of him."
+
+It is wonderful how prejudice colors our opinion of others.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIII.
+                            MARK'S MISSION.
+
+
+THREE days later, two things puzzled the good people of Pocasset. One
+was the removal of old Anthony from his lonely cabin to the small but
+comfortable cottage of Mrs. Manning. It was voted by the village people
+a very sensible move, but they were at a loss to understand how the
+recluse had been persuaded to change his mode of life. It was generally
+supposed that he was quite poor, but the two or three dollars a week he
+would be able to pay the widow would be a help. A room on the second
+floor was appropriated to old Anthony, where he spent much of his time.
+Every day, however, he wandered off to the woods, which had been his
+residence for several years. Though he said little, he was soon
+convinced that he had bettered himself by his removal. Mrs. Manning
+provided plain, well-cooked meals, which were far more attractive than
+the extemporized lunches with which he had thus far been content.
+
+There was another circumstance, however, that equally puzzled the good
+people of the village. This was the disappearance of Mark. He was no
+longer seen walking about the streets, and many were the inquiries made
+of his mother as to where he had gone. At the request of old Anthony she
+answered very indefinitely. She could not tell just where Mark was, but
+he was employed. He would probably be home in a few weeks.
+
+Among those whose curiosity was most keen were James Collins and Tom
+Wyman.
+
+"Where do you think Mark has gone?" said James one day, throwing away a
+half-smoked cigarette.
+
+"I don't know any more than the man in the moon," answered Tom. "I asked
+his mother the other day when I met her in the street, but I couldn't
+get any satisfaction out of her."
+
+"Perhaps he has gone to the city in search of a place."
+
+"I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"He can't get anything to do here. Father won't take him back into the
+shop."
+
+"He was at work for old Anthony."
+
+"That couldn't amount to much. The hermit is as poor as Job's turkey."
+
+"Do you know this? How about the gold we saw?"
+
+"It was all he had," said James, who was in the habit of jumping at
+conclusions. "My father says he gets a small pension from some person in
+the city. Some rich relative, I suppose, is taking care of him. Do you
+know, Tom, I should be glad to come across Mark blacking boots, or
+selling papers in the city?"
+
+"Why?"
+
+"He is so mighty independent—poor and proud—that I believe he actually
+thinks himself as good as you or I."
+
+"He is pretty pert, that's a fact."
+
+"If he were only humble, and showed that he knew his place, I'd get
+father to take him back into the shop. It's his own fault that he got
+discharged."
+
+"It's a good thing for his mother having a boarder, as Mark isn't able
+to help her."
+
+"Pooh! what does that amount to? He probably pays two or three dollars a
+week. However, I suppose that's a good deal to her."
+
+Mark would have been amused, but not surprised, if he could have heard
+this conversation between his two old companions. At present, however,
+he had other things to occupy his attention.
+
+He had already reached Chicago and was staying there a day or two before
+going farther.
+
+His ultimate destination was Claremont, in Indiana, the place where the
+daughter of the hermit was understood to have died. It was about
+seventy-five miles from Chicago, and could be reached in three hours.
+Mark felt that he could do no better in his brief stay in Chicago than
+walk about, and make himself familiar with the principal streets and
+avenues, and gain some knowledge of the western metropolis.
+
+He kept his eyes wide open, and noticed all that came in his way.
+Everywhere throngs of busy wayfarers, and not one of whom he had ever
+seen before. It seemed strange to him, for in Pocasset he knew
+everybody.
+
+"The world is larger than I thought," he reflected, "and there are more
+people in it. I wish I could see one familiar face."
+
+He had hardly formulated the wish when his glance rested on a form that
+seemed strangely familiar. It was a man, tall, slender, with a slouching
+gait.
+
+"That must be Lyman Taylor," he decided, with a natural start of
+astonishment.
+
+It was indeed the man whom he had last seen in the woods at Pocasset. He
+had not thought to meet him, though he remembered now to have heard that
+Lyman had been sent to the West by his uncle.
+
+On the whole, Mark was not as much pleased as he expected to see this
+familiar face. He did not care to be recognized, as Lyman might have his
+curiosity excited, and make him trouble.
+
+Suddenly Lyman turned, and his glance fell upon Mark. The boy lowered
+his head, and walked on without notice. Lyman did not recognize him,
+though he was vaguely conscious of something familiar in Mark's
+appearance. But before he left New York, Mark had been provided with a
+new check traveling suit, and a hat of a different style from the one he
+was accustomed to wear.
+
+Moreover, Lyman had no thought of meeting the country boy in a western
+city. So he turned his glance in a different direction, and descended
+the steps that led to a basement pool and billiard room.
+
+"I would follow him down there, if I dared risk discovery," thought
+Mark. "However, it is none of my business what he does, as long as he
+doesn't annoy his uncle."
+
+Lyman Taylor would have been glad to see Mark, or any one else
+representing his uncle. The sum he had brought away with him had nearly
+all melted away, and his prospects were by no means brilliant. The
+thought of engaging in any employment by which he might earn an honest
+and independent livelihood was by no means attractive to him.
+
+In the afternoon of the second day Mark started by train for Claremont,
+and arrived at the Claremont Hotel in time for supper.
+
+He found Claremont to be a fair sized town, containing perhaps four
+thousand inhabitants. It seemed to be growing rapidly, like most western
+towns favorably situated. After a comfortable supper he bethought
+himself of whom he could make inquiries as to the object of his journey.
+
+As he sat in the office, a tall man, with long hair, and a look of
+speculation in his eyes accosted him.
+
+"Have you just arrived in town, young man?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Mark.
+
+"Are you calculatin' to settle here?"
+
+"No, sir; I am only here on a little business."
+
+"Drummer, I reckon!"
+
+"No, sir; I do not represent any business house."
+
+"You do look rather young for a drummer, but you said you were travelin'
+on business."
+
+"My business is of a different nature, sir."
+
+"Just so! if I can help you, I will. I am Colonel Enoch Tarbox,
+well-known hereabouts."
+
+"Thank you for your offer. If you will allow me, I will ask you one or
+two questions."
+
+"Go ahead, young man; I'm ready to give you any information in my
+power."
+
+"I am in search of a family named Ransom, who lived here some years
+ago."
+
+"John Ransom?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You won't find him; he's dead."
+
+"So I have heard. Did you know him or his wife?"
+
+"I've drank with John Ransom many a time at this very bar. He was rather
+fond of a social glass."
+
+"Did you know his wife?"
+
+"I've seen her often. She's dead too. They both died of a fever."
+
+"I suppose they had no children," said Mark, putting the question
+anxiously.
+
+"Let me see," said the colonel slowly, evidently searching his memory;
+"yes, I believe there was a child, a little boy."
+
+"Is he alive?" asked Mark eagerly.
+
+"There you've got me, stranger. Children ain't much in my line. I never
+heerd of Ransom's child dying. I reckon it left town though."
+
+"Where could I get any information about it, do you think?"
+
+Colonel Tarbox reflected.
+
+"I reckon you'd better go to Mrs. Finn; she was intimate with Mrs.
+Ransom. She lives in the little white cottage alongside of the
+Presbyterian church."
+
+"Thank you, Colonel Tarbox; I am much indebted to you for what you have
+told me."
+
+"Don't mention it. Won't you take a drink?"
+
+This kind offer Mark declined rather to the colonel's dissatisfaction.
+He decided to call upon Mrs. Finn the next day.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIV.
+                         WHAT MARK DISCOVERED.
+
+
+AS the clock on the Presbyterian church struck nine, Mark stood knocking
+at the door of the little cottage hard by.
+
+The door was opened by a comely woman of middle age, who, not
+recognizing Mark, looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"What can I do for you?" she asked.
+
+"My name is Mark Manning," said Mark, introducing himself. "I have been
+directed to you as likely to give me some information about Mrs. Ransom,
+who—"
+
+"Yes, yes," interrupted Mrs. Finn, not waiting for Mark to finish his
+sentence. "Poor dear! I know all about her. Come in, do!"
+
+She led the way into the neat sitting-room, where she invited Mark to be
+seated. Then she changed parts with Mark and began to ask questions.
+
+"Are you related to Mrs. Ransom?" she asked.
+
+"No," answered Mark, "but I come from one who is."
+
+"Alas, it is too late! The poor woman is dead."
+
+"I know that, but did she leave a child?"
+
+"Yes, a little boy. She sat great store by little Jack."
+
+"And what has become of him?" asked Mark, eagerly.
+
+"That is more than I can tell. A tall gentleman—I don't rightly know his
+name—appeared at the funeral, said he was a relation, and took off
+little Jack to St. Louis, I think."
+
+"A tall gentleman—a relation!" repeated Mark, surprised. "What was his
+appearance?"
+
+Mark was destined to be surprised, for Mrs. Finn's description tallied
+exactly with the appearance of Lyman Taylor. This was a surprising
+discovery. Mark was sharp enough to guess that Lyman's object was to
+remove from his path any rival claimant to his uncle's property,
+supposing him to possess any.
+
+"I think I know who you mean," he said, after a pause.
+
+"Was it really a relation of Mrs. Ransom?"
+
+"If it was the one I suppose, it was her cousin."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. Then poor Jack was taken care of."
+
+"I am not sure about that," said Mark, gravely. "Though a relative, he
+is a selfish, bad man, and I am afraid he meant the poor boy no good."
+
+"Good gracious!" exclaimed Mrs. Finn, startled, "you don't think he
+would murder the innocent child?"
+
+"No, I don't think that, but I think he wanted to put him where his
+grandfather would never find him."
+
+"Is it his grandfather you come from, then?"
+
+"Yes; he does not even know of his grandchild's existence, but if I find
+him, the boy will never need any other protector. Can you tell me
+anything of Mrs. Ransom—of her husband?"
+
+"Poor Mrs. Ransom was a sweet woman, who deserved a better fate. As for
+her husband, he was a drunkard, and a loafer. Those are hard words, but
+he deserved them both. They hadn't much money, but what there was he
+spent for liquor at the hotel yonder. More than once his poor wife and
+little child wouldn't have had any breakfast if I hadn't taken some
+over."
+
+And warm-hearted Mrs. Finn wiped away a tear.
+
+"Did her husband treat her very badly? Did he beat her?"
+
+"I am afraid he did when he was very far gone, but, poor thing! she
+never complained. She always looked sad, though, and she didn't enjoy
+her life very much."
+
+"Did she ever speak of her father?"
+
+"Once only. She told me she had ill-treated, him, and been a disobedient
+daughter. I think it was in marrying Ransom."
+
+"Did she ever write to him?"
+
+"She told me she did once, but never received an answer. 'He won't
+forgive me,' she said, with a sigh, and never wrote again."
+
+"I am sure he did not receive the letter, Mrs. Finn. If he had, he would
+have noticed it."
+
+"I hope so; at any rate she was sadder than ever when no letter came to
+her in return. Finally, her husband took sick with a fever. Bad as he
+had been to her, she nursed him like a devoted wife as she was. But she
+couldn't save him. Hardly was he dead, when she, too, caught sick, and
+in the end she died. While she was sick I took little Jack home, for
+fear he would catch the fever too. I was thinking of adopting him after
+his mother's death, when the man I spoke of called and took away the
+boy, saying he would provide for him."
+
+"And that was—how many years ago?"
+
+"Nearly six, I think."
+
+"And I suppose you have neither seen nor heard of him since?"
+
+Mrs. Finn shook her head.
+
+"Where does little Jack's grandfather live?" she asked.
+
+"Near New York."
+
+"Is he a rich man?"
+
+"Moderately rich. He is well able to take care of his grandson, if he
+could find him."
+
+"I wish I could tell you more, I am sure," said Mrs. Finn heartily. "If
+the poor boy yet lives, Heaven knows what his condition may be. If you
+could find the man that took him away——"
+
+"I can," answered Mark.
+
+"Then why don't you go to him, and ask him where to find the child?"
+
+"Because it is against his interests to have him found. He and the
+little boy are the only heirs to the grandfather's property. His uncle
+has good reason to dislike him, and if the boy is found, Lyman Taylor
+will get nothing, I feel sure."
+
+"Well, well! What wickedness there is in the world!" ejaculated Mrs.
+Finn. "What will you do?"
+
+"I don't know. I shall have to consider."
+
+"Did the grandfather send you out here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Excuse my remarking that you are very young to undertake such a
+responsible task."
+
+"I think so myself, Mrs. Finn," Mark answered, modestly. "But it so
+happened that he hadn't much choice. I shall do my best, and if I can't
+find him, I shall go home and report, and advise Mr. Taylor to send an
+older and more competent person."
+
+"You won't be offended by what I said?"
+
+"Certainly not. Any one would think as you do. Is there any other
+information you can give me, Mrs. Finn?"
+
+Mrs. Finn shook her head.
+
+"I am afraid not," she said.
+
+"You are sure the boy was carried to St. Louis?"
+
+"Quite certain."
+
+"I might go to St. Louis, but without any clue I am afraid I should
+stand little chance of succeeding."
+
+"You might advertise."
+
+"That is true," said Mark. "Indeed, it appears to be the only thing I
+can do. How old would the boy be now?"
+
+"About eight years old, I think."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Mark took out a small memorandum book, and noted down the small amount
+of information he had obtained.
+
+It did not appear to be much, and yet it was of great importance. He had
+ascertained that Mrs. Ransom had left a child, and moreover that Lyman
+Taylor had been aware of the fact, and had conspired to keep its
+existence from old Anthony.
+
+"Does he know where it is now?" Mark asked himself.
+
+Mark was inclined to think not. Shortly after the boy was carried away,
+Lyman had gone East, got into trouble, and served a term of some years
+in a prison.
+
+During those years, probably the boy had drifted out of his knowledge.
+Doubtless he could furnish a clue, but for obvious reasons, it would not
+do to apply to him.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your information," said Mark, as he
+rose to go.
+
+"You are heartily welcome, sir. Would you mind writing me, if you find
+out anything about poor Jack?"
+
+"I will certainly do so, Mrs. Finn. I shall lose no time in going to St.
+Louis."
+
+"Heaven speed you, and bring you success," said Mrs. Finn, fervently.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXV.
+                         THE LITTLE MATCH BOY.
+
+
+"MATCHES! Matches! Here's your nice matches!" was heard in a shrill
+treble, proceeding from a little boy on Clark Street, in Chicago.
+
+He looked thin and pale, and it was easy to see the poor little fellow
+was poorly fed, as well as ill-clad.
+
+"Only five cents a package!" the little fellow continued to cry; and he
+looked wistfully in the faces of those who passed him, hoping for a
+possible purchaser.
+
+"Clear out of my way there, you brat!" said a rough voice. "Do you want
+to take up the whole sidewalk?"
+
+The boy shrank timidly, as the man who had addressed him swaggered by.
+He would not have dared to resent the rudeness, but another did. It was
+a stout, and healthy-looking woman, with a large basket on her arm,
+whose heart warmed towards the poor little match boy, sent out so early
+to earn his livelihood.
+
+"You ought to be ashamed to speak to the poor boy that way!" she said,
+warmly.
+
+"Mind your business, woman!" retorted Lyman Taylor, for it was he whose
+rough speech had been quoted.
+
+"I always do," said the woman. "It's my business to speak my mind to
+such brutes as you!"
+
+Lyman vented his wrath in a volley of oaths, for his language was by no
+means choice, when his anger was excited. He might have been more
+prudent, if he had known that a policeman was just behind.
+
+"Stop that, my man, unless you want me to take you in!" said the burly
+officer.
+
+Lyman Taylor turned sharply round, but quailed when he saw the officer.
+
+"This woman has insulted me," he said, sullenly.
+
+"I just spoke to him for abusin' that poor match boy," said the good
+woman.
+
+"I heard it all," said the officer. "Move on, my man, and behave
+yourself, if you don't want to get into trouble."
+
+Such a scene was sure to attract a small crowd. One kind-hearted man
+drew out a dime from his pocket and handed it to the match boy.
+
+"Here, my lad," he said; "take this, and I hope it'll do you good."
+
+"Here are two boxes of matches for you, sir."
+
+"No, keep them. I give you the money."
+
+"Here's another dime," said a young man, of literary aspect. He was a
+reporter on one of the Chicago daily papers, who, in spite of the cases
+of poverty and privation that came under his notice every day, still
+preserved a warm and sympathetic heart.
+
+Then a lady followed his example, and in the end, the match boy had
+received a sum much larger than the value of his small stock-in-trade.
+
+Lyman Taylor's rudeness had proved to him a piece of good luck, in
+opening the hearts of those who would otherwise have passed him by
+without notice.
+
+Smiling with pleasure at the child's good fortune, the good woman who
+had resented Lyman's rudeness so warmly, went on her way. If all had
+hearts as warm, there would be little misery or suffering in the world.
+It is often those who have little, that are most ready to help others
+poorer than themselves. I must not omit to add, that among the
+contributors to the little match boy's fund was the policeman, who
+placed a nickel in his hands, with the admonition to "brace up and be a
+good boy!" This was true charity, for out of his salary the officer had
+to support a large family of his own, and therefore had very few nickels
+to spare. He was bluff of aspect, but kind of heart.
+
+"It's a shame to send out such a child on the streets," he said to
+himself. "Think of my Rob having to lead such a life!"
+
+The policeman looked sober, for, should anything happen to him, as in
+his exposed life might very well happen, he knew not what would be the
+fate of his little ones. They might be as badly off as the poor match
+boy.
+
+The little match boy's thin face showed signs of satisfaction as he
+looked at the collection of small coins which had been given him by the
+pitying crowd. He turned into an alleyway and counted it. It amounted to
+seventy-six cents. This was a phenomenal sum for the small merchant. And
+the best of it was, he had his stock of merchandise left.
+
+A thought entered the little boy's mind, prompted by his craving for
+food.
+
+"Would it be wrong for me to take a little of this money and buy me some
+dinner?" he said to himself. "I am _so_ hungry. Aunt Peggy only gave me
+a slice of bread for breakfast, and it's most two o'clock now."
+
+Only a slice of bread, and he had been walking about for hours, trying
+to sell matches. The fruit of all his labor was the sale of two boxes at
+five cents each. But he had seventy-six cents besides, and they were
+his. They had not been given to Aunt Peggy, but to him. So, at least, he
+reasoned. Not that he meant to keep it all himself. He intended to give
+the greater part to the woman who was the only guardian he knew, but he
+thought he had a right to use fifteen cents for himself. It wasn't much,
+but he knew a place—a cheap place—where for this sum he could get a cup
+of coffee and a plate of beefsteak. At the thought of this delicious
+repast the match boy's mouth watered. When had he eaten meat? Three days
+ago Peggy had given him a bone to pick. There was not much on it, but
+when he had got through with it there was none at all.
+
+Johnny could not resist the temptation. He suspended sales, and made his
+way to a cheap restaurant on a side street. With eager steps he entered,
+and sat down at a wooden table from which nearly all the paint had been
+worn off, and scanned the bill of fare.
+
+It seemed to him that there was nothing better than the dish he had
+already mentally selected.
+
+A greasy looking waiter approached, and said sharply, "What'll you have,
+kid?"
+
+"Cup o' coffee an' plate of beefsteak!" answered Johnny.
+
+"Sure yer got money enough to pay for it?"
+
+"I wouldn't have asked for it if I hadn't," said Johnny, emboldened by
+his unusual wealth.
+
+"All right, then! Sometimes chaps come in and order their dinner, and
+skip off before it comes time to pay."
+
+The greasy looking waiter went to the back of the room, and soon
+returned with the banquet Johnny ordered.
+
+He set it down with a jerk.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVI.
+                           LUCK FAVORS LYMAN.
+
+
+NO patron of Delmonico's probably ever contemplated his sumptuous meal
+with more satisfaction than shone in the little match boy's eyes, as he
+gazed with watering mouth at the overdone, tough-looking steak, the
+mashed potato, the three slices of stale bread and dab of butter, which
+furnished the solid material of his meal. A cup of muddy coffee
+completed the bill of fare. After all, appetite is the best sauce, and
+Johnny had appetite enough to make his meal seem palatable.
+
+Johnny did not stand upon ceremony, but "pitched in." It is not an
+elegant expression, but it describes accurately the energy with which
+the boy disposed of his dinner. Ten minutes sufficed for its entire
+disappearance. There was not even a crumb left.
+
+"That was bully!" said Johnny to himself, with a sigh of supreme
+satisfaction "I wish I could have such a lay out every day."
+
+But he evidently thought this was unattainable happiness. He did not
+even think of reserving from his little fund, enough to provide a
+similar feast on the following day—partly because he was an honest
+little fellow, and partly because he stood in fear of the burly woman
+whom he called Aunt Peggy.
+
+"I wouldn't have Aunt Peggy know I've been here for something," he
+thought.
+
+There seemed little chance of it, but, as ill luck would have it, as he
+was emerging from the restaurant, a boy he knew passed with a
+blacking-box on his shoulder.
+
+"What have you been doin' in there?" asked Tim Roach. "Been havin' yer
+dinner?"
+
+"I just got a little to eat," answered Johnny, ill at ease.
+
+"Got any more money?"
+
+"A little."
+
+"Then just treat a feller, won't yer? I'll do as much for you
+to-morrer."
+
+"I can't, Tim, the money isn't mine."
+
+"You won't, you mean."
+
+"I would if the money belonged to me."
+
+"Does Peggy know yer went in there?" asked Tim, slyly.
+
+"Don't tell her, Tim! I was _so_ hungry."
+
+"Then treat!"
+
+"I can't, Tim!"
+
+"All right!" replied Tim, nodding. "I'll let Peggy know how you spend
+her money."
+
+Poor Johnny! These last words alarmed him terribly.
+
+Lyman Taylor's stock of money was getting low. He was not a good
+financial manager. But even if he had been, he would not have been able
+long to live without work. When his stock of ready money was reduced to
+five dollars, he began to consider anxiously where he could obtain a
+further supply. It is not strange that his thoughts should have reverted
+to his uncle.
+
+"I wonder if Uncle Anthony is well fixed or not. He got considerable
+money in California, but may have lost it. The old man is close-mouthed,
+and I can't worm the secret out of him. If I had any hold on him——"
+continued Lyman, thoughtfully.
+
+He sauntered along till he came to a pool-room, connected with a cheap
+hotel, of the kind he was in the habit of frequenting. No one chanced to
+be playing, and by way of filling up the time he took up a St. Louis
+paper, and ran his eye listlessly over it.
+
+But at one place in the advertising columns, his listlessness suddenly
+vanished, and his face assumed a look of eager interest. This was the
+advertisement that attracted his attention:
+
+    "INFORMATION WANTED.—Any one who can give information concerning a
+    child named Jack Ransom, who was brought to St. Louis a little more
+    than five years since, is desired to communicate with Mark Manning,
+    at the Planters' Hotel. The boy, if living, is now seven or eight
+    years of age."
+
+"Well, I'll be——hanged!" ejaculated Lyman Taylor. "How, in the name of
+all that's mysterious, has my uncle got hold of a clue to little Jack's
+existence?
+
+"So he's sent that country cub—Mark Manning—out to investigate. He must
+be crazy to trust a green boy, who has always lived in the country.
+
+"But what beats me, is how he learned so much. I did take the boy to St.
+Louis, and placed him with an old woman, who very likely has starved or
+beaten him to death by this time. But suppose she hasn't," continued
+Lyman, after a pause.
+
+"Suppose the child is still living. If I could only find out, then I
+would have the hold on my uncle that I require. I would kidnap the boy,
+and not part with him under a good round sum."
+
+Lyman's face brightened, but only for an instant. It was a capital
+scheme, but how was he to get hold of the boy? How did he know if he
+were living?
+
+He would have been amazed if he had known that he had seen the boy that
+very day, selling matches in the streets.
+
+There was one thing, however, that seemed clear to Lyman. His uncle must
+still have a comfortable property, or he would not be able to send a
+messenger to St. Louis in search of his lost grandson.
+
+"The old man may have twenty thousand dollars, for aught I know,"
+reflected Lyman; "and doesn't spend the income of half that as he lives
+now. No doubt that country boy has an inkling of it, and is planning to
+get hold of it. That boy is foxy, and knows what he is about, I'll be
+bound."
+
+This estimate did not exactly agree with the one Lyman had recently
+expressed of Mark, but he did not think it necessary to be consistent.
+
+"Twenty thousand dollars!" he repeated, and his nephew almost starving
+here in Chicago. Oh, it was a cunning scheme to buy me off for a paltry
+sum, and give a free field to that boy. That's a pretty way for a man to
+treat his only living relation.
+
+"But who could have put it into his head that his grandson was alive? I
+presume the little beggar has kicked the bucket before this. If I only
+could get hold of him, I would make the old man pay handsomely for his
+return."
+
+The chances, however, did not seem very flattering, and Lyman had no
+money to expend in searching for the boy, apart from the doubt whether
+he was still living. Gradually a new idea came to him. He might pick up
+some boy who would answer the purpose, whom he could palm off on his
+uncle as his grandson. True, it would be raising up a rival heir; but he
+was thoroughly persuaded that in no case did he himself stand any chance
+of succeeding to his uncle's property.
+
+"It will be worth something," he muttered, "to cut out that country boy.
+All I have to do, is to find a boy who is without relatives, and I can
+concoct some story that will impose upon Uncle Anthony. That little
+match boy, for instance! Why wouldn't he do?"
+
+Lyman became so excited by his castle building, that he determined to
+lose no time in carrying out his design. He left the tavern, and
+retraced his steps to the place where he had encountered the match boy.
+Johnny, after eating his dinner, had resumed his business, and was
+within a block of the same place offering his wares to the passers by.
+
+He was a little worried by Tim's threat to expose his extravagant dinner
+to the old woman with whom he lived, but persistently refused to buy off
+his persecutor.
+
+"I say, little boy, what's your name?"
+
+Johnny turned round at these words, and recognized in the man addressing
+him, the one with whom he had already had trouble. His face showed the
+fear which he not unnaturally felt.
+
+"Don't be frightened, my boy!" said Lyman, with an ingratiating smile.
+"I am afraid I was rough to you this morning. Don't mind it! I was
+worried about my business affairs, and didn't mean what I said. Shake
+hands, and let us be friends."
+
+With rather a bewildered look, Johnny allowed Lyman to take his small,
+thin hand, and looked perplexed.
+
+"Come, you don't harbor no malice, my lad, do you?" said Lyman with a
+smile.
+
+"No—o," answered Johnny, doubtfully.
+
+"The fact is, I feel an interest in you, my boy. You look like a little
+cousin of mine that I haven't seen since he was a baby."
+
+Johnny was more and more puzzled. The neglected little match boy was not
+used to such attention.
+
+"Did you ever live in St. Louis?" asked Lyman, at a venture.
+
+"Yes," answered the match boy.
+
+Lyman opened his eyes in surprise. He had not expected such an answer.
+Even then he did not suspect that Chance had led him to the very boy
+whom he desired to meet.
+
+"Have you any father or mother?" he asked.
+
+"No sir."
+
+"Good!"
+
+Johnny could not understand why his questioner should be pleased to hear
+that he was an orphan. Lyman Taylor seemed to him a very
+incomprehensible man. He felt rather uncomfortable in his presence, and
+hoped the man would go away, and leave him to attend to his business.
+
+"Who do you live with, then, sonny?" was Lyman's next question.
+
+"With my aunt."
+
+"What is your aunt's name?"
+
+"I always call her Aunt Peggy."
+
+"WHAT?" exclaimed Lyman, in a tone that made the little match boy jump.
+"You live with an old woman named Peggy?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is she your aunt?"
+
+"I suppose so. I always call her Aunt Peggy."
+
+"It's the very boy!" was Lyman's exulting thought. "I'm in luck at last.
+Lyman, old man, your plans are going to be realized."
+
+"Were you ever called Jack?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"Yes; that's what Aunt Peggy calls me. Other people call me Johnny."
+
+"My boy," said Lyman, fervently, "I can't tell you how glad I am to see
+you. I am sure now you are my little cousin. Where does Peggy live?"
+
+The match boy named the place—a poor street in a poor neighborhood.
+
+"Take me there at once. I want to see your Aunt Peggy."
+
+"But Peggy will be mad if I don't stay and sell matches, sir."
+
+"Come along; I will make it right with her."
+
+Lyman took the little boy's hand, and the two turned off Clark Street,
+and went in pursuit of Peggy.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVII.
+                               OLD PEGGY.
+
+
+TIM ROACH was not only selfish, but liked to make mischief. He resolved
+to be revenged upon Johnny for declining to "treat" him to a dinner, and
+having plenty of time on his hands, took pains to seek out the humble
+home tenanted by old Peggy.
+
+It was on the third floor of a tall, shabby brick house, not far from
+the Chicago and Alton depot. Tim had been there before, and didn't
+require directions. He ascended the rickety staircase, nearly treading
+on two dirty faced children belonging to a neighbor of Peggy's, who were
+playing on the landing. As a third child, older, made her appearance,
+Tim stopped long enough to inquire, "Is Peggy at home?"
+
+"Yes," answered the girl. "She's home, but, oh my, ain't she tight!"
+
+"That's nothin' new," said Tim, composedly.
+
+He knocked at Peggy's door, and receiving no answer, opened it.
+
+The old woman had thrown herself on a truckle bed at one corner of the
+room, and was breathing noisily with her eyes half closed.
+
+"Is it you, Johnny!" she asked, without turning her head.
+
+"No, it's me!"
+
+"Who's me?"
+
+"Tim Roach."
+
+"What do you want?"
+
+"I've just seed Johnny, Peggy."
+
+"Has he sold many matches? Where is he?"
+
+"I seed him in an eatin' house. He was eatin' a bully dinner."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Peggy, now thoroughly roused, raising herself on her
+elbow. "What's that you say, Tim Roach?"
+
+Tim, quite enjoying the commotion he had raised, repeated his
+information.
+
+"So he's spendin' my money in fillin' his stomach, the little wretch!"
+exclaimed Peggy. "That's why he brings home so little money. The
+ungrateful little imp that I've slaved and slaved for these last six
+years, takin' advantage of a poor old woman when her back's turned!
+Where was it, Tim, dear?"
+
+Tim mentioned the restaurant.
+
+"And what was he eatin', Tim?"
+
+"He ordered a cup o' coffee and beefsteak—I don't know what else he
+had."
+
+"I'll learn him to chate and decave me!" said the old woman, angrily.
+"He only brought home twenty-five cents yesterday, and I takin' care of
+him, and buyin' him close and vittles."
+
+"I guess he buys some dinner every day," said Tim.
+
+"And I never to suspect it! Tim, dear, you're a good boy to come and
+tell me. You wouldn't treat your best friend that way?"
+
+"No, I wouldn't!" said Tim, virtuously. "What are you goin' to do to
+him, Peggy?"
+
+"Where's my stick, Tim? Do you see it anywhere?"
+
+"No, I don't," answered Tim, after a search.
+
+"Some of them children downstairs must have carried it off."
+
+"I can buy you a cane for ten cents."
+
+"And where would the ten cents come from I would like to know. I'll bate
+him wid my fists, the ongrateful young kid."
+
+"What are you goin' to give me for tellin' you, Peggy?" asked Tim.
+
+"I'll give you a penny the next time I see you," said Peggy, vaguely.
+
+"That isn't enough. Give me a nickel to buy a glass of beer?"
+
+"I haven't got it, Tim. I wish I had, for I'm awful dhry myself."
+
+"I wouldn't have come all the way to tell you if I'd know'd that," said
+Tim, discontentedly.
+
+Just then a noise was heard on the stairs, and Tim, opening the door
+wider, looked out.
+
+"Here's Johnny now, Peggy!" he said in excitement.
+
+"Come home the middle of the afternoon, too, the young rascal!"
+ejaculated the old woman. "I'll fix him!"
+
+"So here you are, you young——," commenced Peggy, as Johnny made his
+appearance, but the threat with which she was about to conclude, died in
+the utterance, when she saw that Johnny was closely followed by a tall
+man of middle age.
+
+"Who are you, sir?" she asked irritably, "and what brings you here? If
+you're the agent, I haven't got any money for you."
+
+"Don't you remember me, Peggy?" asked Lyman, sinking with rare courage
+into a chair which cracked under his weight.
+
+"No, sir, I don't. If I had my glasses, perhaps——"
+
+"I see you've got company, Peggy," continued Lyman, with a significant
+look at Tim. "I would like to speak to you alone. It'll be to your
+advantage, mind," he added, detecting a suspicious look on the old
+woman's face. "Just send the two boys out to play, and we'll speak
+together."
+
+"First, hand over what money you've got, Jack," said Peggy. "I ain't
+goin' to have you wastin' it outside. Let me see your matches! How many
+boxes did you sell?"
+
+"Five," answered Johnny.
+
+"Only five!" exclaimed the old woman, holding up her hands. "You were
+playin' in the strates, I'll be bound!"
+
+"No, I wasn't, Aunt Peggy. I tried to sell more, but——"
+
+"Oh, yes, I understand! And you'd done so well you thought you'd buy
+yourself a dinner off my money. Come here and let me shake you!"
+
+"Tim told you!" said the little boy, with a reproachful look at his
+betrayer.
+
+"Yes, he told me, and he was a good bye for doin' it."
+
+"He said he'd tell if I didn't buy him some, too."
+
+"Is that threu?" asked Peggy.
+
+"Hark to him!" said Tim, with virtuous indignation. "It's a lie, and he
+knows it."
+
+"Did you spend all the money, Jack?" demanded Peggy. "If you did——"
+
+"But I didn't, Aunt Peggy. Some good people gave me some money, and——"
+
+"It was for me, then. How dared you spind it?"
+
+"I've brought most of it home, Peggy. See here!" and Johnny took out a
+handful of small silver coins and pennies, and poured them into the old
+woman's lap.
+
+Peggy was agreeably surprised. She saw that there was nearly a dollar,
+much more than Johnny generally brought home, and it put her in a good
+humor.
+
+"You've done well, Jack!" she said. "I won't grudge the money you spent
+for a bit of dinner. Now go out and play wid Tim."
+
+"I don't want to play with him. He told on me."
+
+"My lad," said Lyman, "can't you bring a bottle of beer for your good
+aunt and myself. Here's money; you can bring back the change."
+
+"You go, Jack, for the gentleman," said Peggy, quite restored to good
+humor. "I don't mind sayin' that my throat is just parched with bein' so
+dhry."
+
+Johnny went out, and soon returned, for he had not far to go. In spite
+of his company being so unwelcome, Tim went and returned with him.
+
+"Won't you give me a little, Peggy," he asked.
+
+"No, I won't. You wanted Jack to trate you on my money. Now clear out,
+and never let me see your ugly face here ag'in."
+
+"That's the thanks I get for tellin' you!" complained Tim. "And after
+runnin' myself out of breath, too!"
+
+"Clear out wid you! And you, Jack, go back and see if you can't sell
+some more matches. It's only the middle of the afternoon, and there's
+plenty of time before sunset to sell half-a-dozen boxes."
+
+Johnny obeyed, not unwillingly, for he was not partial to home, nor did
+he enjoy Peggy's company. Tim accompanied him, but Johnny, gentle as he
+was, refused to have anything to say to him. Tim felt that he was badly
+treated. Johnny turned his back on him, and Peggy had utterly failed to
+acknowledge the service he had rendered her. Tim was of opinion that it
+was a cold world, and that there was little encouragement to be
+virtuous.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XXVIII.
+                             LYMAN'S PLAN.
+
+
+"HERE'S your health, Peggy!" said Lyman, emptying his glass.
+
+"Thank you, sir!" said Peggy, following his example. "You're very kind,
+I'm sure, and I ought to remember you, but my memory ain't what it was."
+
+"So you don't remember me?"
+
+"I can't remimber that I iver set eyes on your face before, sir."
+
+"Then you don't remember the man that brought you a small child to take
+care of near six years ago?"
+
+"Shure it's himself!" ejaculated the old woman, peering curiously into
+Lyman's face. "I only saw you twice, and that's why I forgot. Shure it
+was a cruel thrick you played upon a poor old woman, when you gave her a
+baby to take care of, and then, five long years never sent her even a
+penny. It's hundreds and hundreds of dollars I've spent on little Jack,
+and he no kin to me!"
+
+"No doubt he has been brought up in the lap of luxury! He looks like
+it," said Lyman with an amused smile.
+
+"And now you've come to pay me all I spent on the child?" insinuated
+Peggy.
+
+"Well, not just yet. The fact is, Peggy, unavoidable circumstances
+prevented my communicating with you, and the same won't admit of my
+paying over the hundreds of dollars that Jack has cost you."
+
+"Then what do you want of me?" inquired the old woman disappointed.
+
+"I think I can see a way by which both of us can make something out of
+the boy. By-the-way, it strikes me just at present that he is supporting
+you instead of you taking care of him."
+
+"He only brings in a few pennies a day," said Peggy. "Shure it's hardly
+enough to pay his salt."
+
+"Then Jack must be immoderately fond of salt. However, I'll let you into
+a secret. His grandfather is looking for him."
+
+"His grandfather?"
+
+"Yes; no doubt you are surprised that Jack possesses a grandfather, but
+that is a fact. His grandfather is my uncle, and what is more to the
+purpose he has a fair property."
+
+"And little Jack is goin' to be rich?" gasped Peggy in amazement.
+
+"Well, I don't know! That depends on whether we allow his grandfather to
+find him."
+
+"And why shouldn't he? Wouldn't he be givin' a big reward?"
+
+"That is where you come to the point, my good Peggy. If he will make it
+worth our while, we may restore him to the old gentleman."
+
+"And how much would he be givin', d'ye think?" asked Peggy, her
+bead-like eyes sparkling with greed.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder, Peggy, if you might get a hundred dollars out of
+it."
+
+"A hundred dollars—after my takin' care of the boy ever since he was a
+babby. Now you're jokin'."
+
+"Well, you see, his grandfather isn't a rich man—" explained Lyman,
+fearing he had unduly raised the expectations of the old woman.
+
+"You said he was!" retorted Peggy sharply.
+
+"I said he had a comfortable property—for a country town. That means a
+few thousand dollars."
+
+"He sha'n't have him for such a thrifle," snapped Peggy.
+
+"The police might take him from you, without your getting a cent."
+
+"How would they know, unless you told 'em?" asked Peggy suspiciously.
+
+"Look here, Peggy!" said Lyman in a conciliatory tone. "We've got to
+stand by each other in this thing. Just leave the matter in my hands,
+and I'll manage it as well as I can. I'll get as much money from the old
+gentleman as I can."
+
+"And you'll give me half?"
+
+"Of course—that is, after necessary expenses are paid."
+
+"And what am I to do then?"
+
+"Nothing, except to stay here, and see that nobody gets hold of Jack.
+Does he know who he is?"
+
+"He thinks I'm his aunt."
+
+"And is proud of the connection, no doubt," said Lyman, who could not
+restrain his tendency to sarcasm. "Well, perhaps that is as well. Don't
+let any one know that it is not true. We can keep quiet till the time
+comes to make it known. Now, I'll leave you, and take the first step by
+writing to my uncle. Good afternoon, Peggy! I'll call again in a day or
+two."
+
+"Couldn't you leave me a dollar or two before you go?" whined Peggy. "Me
+health is very poor, and I can't work, and it's only a few pennies the
+boy brings in."
+
+"You're better off than I am," said Lyman curtly, "for I am out of
+employment and I have no boy to bring me in pennies. I don't know but
+I'd better take Jack at once, and then you won't have to take care of
+him."
+
+"I'll kape him," said the old woman hurriedly—for she had no wish to
+lose the income the match boy brought in, small as it was. "I'll kape
+him, for he's used to me life, and he's happier here."
+
+"Just as you like, Peggy!" returned Lyman with a smile at the success of
+his stratagem. "I'd help you if I could, but I'm almost at the bottom of
+my purse as it is. I'll see you again in a day or two, and report
+progress."
+
+"I've done a good day's work," reflected Lyman, as he picked his way
+downstairs, nearly slipping on a piece of orange peel on one of the
+steps. "It was a piece of good luck, my finding Jack so soon after
+seeing that St. Louis paper—but I must write an effective letter to my
+uncle."
+
+Lyman went to the Sherman House, and entering the writing-room procured
+a sheet of note paper, and penned the following note:
+
+                                           "CHICAGO, _September 7, 18—_.
+
+    "MY DEAR UNCLE:
+
+    "I am afraid you are feeling anxious about me, and I will therefore
+    relieve your affectionate solicitude, by saying that I am well in
+    health, but low—very low in pocket. It costs more to live in Chicago
+    than in Pocasset, and the sum of money with which you provided me is
+    nearly gone. As I am a little afraid this hint won't be sufficient
+    to open your heart, let me add that I can make it worth your while
+    to be generous.
+
+    "It has come to my knowledge that you have sent out Mark Manning in
+    search of your grandson. How you came to suspect that my cousin left
+    a boy I can't imagine, but I don't mind telling you that you are
+    correct. She did leave a boy, whose name is Jack Ransom. He is now
+    about eight years of age. I know where he is and can lay my hands
+    upon him at any moment. Whether I will or not depends on how you
+    propose to deal with me. Of course it isn't to my interest that the
+    boy should be found, as outside of him I am your natural and legal
+    heir. I know that Mark Manning is scheming to get possession of your
+    property when you are gone, but I am sure you wouldn't throw it away
+    on a stranger, when your brother's son is living.
+
+    "Now, Uncle Anthony, I am going to make you a proposition. Bear in
+    mind, if you please, that I am the only one who can restore little
+    Jack to you. Only one other person knows about him and she never
+    heard of you, and doesn't know Jack's last name. If you will
+    guarantee me five thousand dollars within three months, two thousand
+    being cash down, I will myself bring on little Jack, and place him
+    in your arms. Now, I am sorry to say that the boy has a miserable
+    home, and is scantily supplied with the necessaries of life. A
+    miserable career of poverty and perhaps crime, awaits him unless you
+    come to my terms. Let me know as soon as possible what you propose
+    to do.
+
+    "A letter directed to me at the Chicago post-office will reach me
+    safely.
+
+                           "Your affectionate nephew,
+                           "LYMAN TAYLOR."
+
+Anthony received this letter in due time, and deemed it of sufficient
+importance to warrant a visit to New York. He wished to lay it before
+Mr. Hardy, and ask his advice.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIX.
+                       MARK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM.
+
+
+"MY good friend," said Mr. Hardy, "have you any reason to think your
+nephew's statement is to be relied upon?"
+
+"I hope so," answered Anthony. "I am getting to be an old man, and I
+should like to feel that some one of my own blood would survive me, and
+profit by a part of the competence which God has bestowed upon me."
+
+"It may be simply a money-making scheme on the part of Lyman," said the
+agent, thoughtfully. "Finding that he has little chance of becoming your
+heir, he wants to secure a handsome reward for restoring to you your
+grandson. Why has he not proposed it before?"
+
+"Because he did not know I had any property to leave, or else because he
+supposed his own chances of inheriting good. After the last interview
+with me, he probably lost the hope of profiting by my death."
+
+"There is something in what you say, Mr. Taylor. What is your own idea?"
+
+"I would give five thousand dollars, if necessary, to secure the return
+of my grandson. It would give me an object to live for."
+
+"I should be exceedingly sorry to see that sum pass into the hands of
+such a rascal as your graceless nephew."
+
+"Would you offer two thousand?"
+
+"I would hold no serious negotiations with him."
+
+"But I would run the risk of leaving the poor boy to a life of poverty,
+and myself to a lonely old age."
+
+"My idea is this. I will telegraph to Mark Manning, who is now in St.
+Louis, the particulars of your nephew's offer, with instructions to go
+at once to Chicago, find out Lyman, and put a detective on his track. If
+his story is true, he probably visits the boy from time to time. In this
+way it can be discovered where the boy lives, and steps can be taken to
+secure him."
+
+"I approve of your plan," said Anthony. "Let it be carried out at once."
+
+"There will be this advantage," added Hardy. "Your enterprising nephew
+will not realize any benefit from his nice little scheme for trading
+upon your affections."
+
+"Do as you think best, my good friend. Your judgment is always better
+than mine."
+
+John Hardy rapidly penned the following despatch.
+
+    "MARK MANNING, Planter's Hotel, St. Louis: Go at once to Chicago and
+    find Lyman Taylor. He knows where child is. Employ a detective, and
+    track him to boy's residence. Don't let him suspect your object.
+    Keep me apprised of your progress.
+
+        JOHN HARDY."
+
+This despatch reached Mark within two hours. He had been in St. Louis
+several days, and had learned nothing. Two or three persons had called
+upon him with bogus information in the hope of a reward, but he was
+sharp enough to detect the imposition. He was beginning to despair of
+success when Mr. Hardy's telegram was received. Mark brightened up. He
+saw his way clearer now.
+
+He went out to purchase a ticket for Chicago, and on his return found a
+second telegram in these words:
+
+    "Lyman admits knowledge of boy, and offers to restore him for five
+    thousand dollars."
+
+"I will endeavor to thwart Mr. Lyman Taylor," said Mark to himself. "He
+is a greater rascal than I thought."
+
+Mark paid his bill and took the next train for Chicago. He arrived late,
+and registered at the Fremont House, where he prepared himself for the
+difficult work that lay before him by taking a good night's rest. In the
+morning he awoke hopeful and determined, and after breakfast went out to
+walk. He had no clue to the where-abouts of Lyman, but thought it
+possible he might meet him as he had done before in the streets.
+
+He walked about for two hours, keeping his eyes wide open, but though he
+scanned many hundreds of faces, that of Lyman Taylor was not among them.
+Yet his walk was to be more successful than he anticipated.
+
+Little Jack still continued his street trade of selling matches. Peggy
+was not willing to give up the small revenue she obtained from the boy's
+sales. Sometimes, also, a compassionate passer-by would bestow a dime or
+nickel on the boy, pitying him for his thin face and sad expression.
+Sometimes, if Tim were not by, he would buy a cheap lunch, for the
+scanty rations which he received from Peggy, left him in a chronic state
+of hunger.
+
+It was fortunate that the poor boy indulged himself thus, or his feeble
+strength would hardly have held out against hunger and hard work
+combined.
+
+Unwittingly Jack had made an active enemy in Tim Roach. His refusal to
+treat, Tim persuaded himself, was very mean, and his indignation was
+increased by the ill-success of his attempt to secure pay for the
+information given to Peggy. He was anxious to be revenged upon Jack, and
+was only waiting for an opportunity.
+
+Malice generally finds its opportunity after awhile. One day Jack set
+down his basket of matches a moment while he ran into a shop to change a
+twenty-five cent piece. Tim was close at hand, and slyly secured the
+basket, and fled swiftly through a narrow passage-way with his booty. He
+had not only secured a stock of merchandise, but he had got Jack into
+trouble.
+
+When Jack came out and found his basket gone he was in dismay.
+
+"Who took my basket?" he inquired of an applewoman, who kept a stand
+close by.
+
+"There was a bye here just now—bigger than you. He must have run off wid
+it when my back was turned away."
+
+"Where did he go?" asked Jack, anxiously.
+
+"I didn't mind."
+
+"What was he like?"
+
+"Shure I've seed him here afore wid you. You called him Tim."
+
+"It was Tim Roach!" exclaimed Jack. "He's a mean boy. He took it to get
+me into trouble."
+
+"Shure he looks like a thafe."
+
+The tears started to Jack's eyes.
+
+"I don't know what to do," he said, piteously. "I am afraid Peggy will
+beat me when I get home."
+
+"Who is Peggy?" asked a new voice.
+
+Jack looked towards the speaker. He saw a pleasant-faced boy, apparently
+about sixteen.
+
+"She's the woman I live with," answered Jack.
+
+"What will she beat you for?" asked Mark, for it was he. He had just
+come up, and hadn't heard of Jack's misfortune, but his heart was
+stirred to sympathy, by the sadness visible upon the little boy's face.
+
+"For losing my matches," and thereupon Jack told his story to his new
+acquaintance.
+
+"How much were the matches worth?" asked Mark.
+
+"There were fourteen boxes. They cost me three cents a piece. Then there
+was the basket. That cost a quarter."
+
+"Do you know where to buy more?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then take this dollar bill, and get a new supply."
+
+Jack's little face glowed with gratitude.
+
+"Oh, how kind you are!" he said.
+
+"Do you generally stand here?" asked Mark.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Does this Peggy send you out every day?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is she related to you?"
+
+"I thought she was my aunt," answered the match boy, "but last evening a
+gentleman called on Peggy, I heard them talking when they thought I was
+asleep," Jack continued in a lower tone. "I heard the gentleman say I
+had a grandfather living at the East, and that he would pay a good sum
+to get hold of me. I wish he would, for Peggy doesn't give me enough to
+eat, and sometimes she beats me."
+
+"Tell me about this gentleman," said Mark in excitement. "Is he tall?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"With black hair and whiskers?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do you know his name?"
+
+"No, sir; but there he is now!"
+
+Mark followed the direction of the boy's finger, and he recognized,
+though his head was turned, the familiar form of Lyman Taylor on the
+opposite side of the street.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXX.
+                   MARK MAKES ARRANGEMENTS WITH JACK.
+
+
+MARK'S excitement was at fever heat. In the most wonderful manner he had
+succeeded almost without an effort. He could not doubt that this boy was
+the very one of whom he was in search.
+
+He was apprehensive that Lyman would turn, and on recognizing him
+penetrate his design and arrange to defeat it. But fortunately the
+object of his dread appeared to have other business in hand and kept on
+his way, never turning back.
+
+"How old are you?" he asked, thinking it best to make assurance doubly
+sure.
+
+"Peggy says I'm goin' on eight," answered the match boy.
+
+"That is the right age," thought Mark.
+
+"Have you always lived in Chicago?" he continued.
+
+"No, sir; Peggy brought me from St. Louis when I was a very little
+child."
+
+"I suppose you don't remember much about St. Louis?"
+
+"I don't remember it at all."
+
+"What does Peggy do for a living?"
+
+Jack shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Nothing much," he answered; "she says she isn't well enough to work."
+
+"Surely she does not depend wholly upon what you earn?"
+
+"I don't know. Sometimes she gets money in a letter. I think it comes
+from her son."
+
+"Then she has a son?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where does he live?"
+
+"I saw one of his letters once. It said Fall River on the wrapper. I
+think he works in a factory."
+
+"Fall River is a city in Massachusetts. I have never been there, but I
+hear that they have factories there."
+
+"So you can read writing?" asked Mark after a pause.
+
+"Yes, a little."
+
+"And I suppose you can read books and papers?"
+
+"A little. I went to a primary school for a little while, and afterwards
+a lady used to hear my lessons. She lived in the same place with us."
+
+"Did you like studying?"
+
+"Ever so much. I should be happy if I could go to school again, but
+Peggy says I know enough, and she needs me to earn my living."
+
+"Do you know the name of that gentleman you pointed out to me?"
+
+"No, I don't think I heard Peggy mention his name."
+
+"How long has he been in the habit of coming to see you and Peggy?"
+
+"He has only been there two or three times. Peggy didn't remember him at
+first. I think they used to know each other a good while ago."
+
+"Suppose this gentleman's story were true, and you had a grandfather at
+the East who could take good care of you, would you be willing to go to
+him?"
+
+"Would he be kind to me? Do you know him?" asked the little fellow
+eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I know him, and I am sure he would be very kind to you. Would you
+be willing to leave Peggy?"
+
+"Yes," answered little Jack promptly.
+
+"How does she treat you?"
+
+"If I bring home a good bit of money, she pats me on the head and says I
+am a good boy, but if I am not lucky she is very cross, and sometimes
+she beats me."
+
+Mark's sympathies were aroused. Jack was so small, and weak in
+appearance, that it seemed to him revolting to think of his being at the
+mercy of a cruel old woman. Half unconsciously his fist doubled up, his
+teeth closed firmly together, and he just wished he had the merciless
+Peggy in his power.
+
+"Is Peggy temperate?" he asked.
+
+Jack looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Does she drink?" Mark asked, changing the form of his question.
+
+"She drinks beer, and sometimes whiskey," answered Jack.
+
+"Does she get—drunk?"
+
+"Sometimes."
+
+"How does it affect her?"
+
+"It makes her sleepy or cross. I always run away when she has been
+drinking—when I can, but sometimes she locks the door and fastens me in.
+Then, if I can, I hide under the bed."
+
+"Poor boy! you have a hard time of it. Now, Jack, can you keep a
+secret?"
+
+Jack nodded, and his face assumed a cunning look, for the poor boy had
+more than once felt obliged to practice dissimulation, in the rough
+school in which he had been trained.
+
+"Yes," he answered.
+
+"Then I am going to tell you a secret. Your grandfather sent me out here
+to find you."
+
+"He sent you!" ejaculated Jack.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But I thought he sent that gentleman—the one I pointed out to you."
+
+"No; that gentleman, as you call him, is your mother's cousin. He is a
+near relation of yours."
+
+"But he spoke to Peggy about carrying me back to my grandfather."
+
+"He has an object in view. He won't give you up to your grandfather
+unless he gets a large sum of money. I suppose he has promised to give
+Peggy some of the money."
+
+"Yes, I heard him promise Peggy a hundred dollars."
+
+Mark smiled.
+
+"Then I think he is going to cheat Peggy," he said. "He wants five
+thousand dollars for himself."
+
+"Why, that is a good deal more than a hundred dollars."
+
+"Yes, it is fifty times as much. Did Peggy seem to be satisfied with a
+hundred?"
+
+"No; she said it was very little, but he said perhaps my grandfather
+would give her as much as that every year."
+
+"It is evident he proposes to take the old woman in."
+
+"I don't care, if he will only take me back to my grandfather. Will he
+give me enough to eat?"
+
+"My poor child, are you hungry?" asked Mark, compassionately.
+
+"Yes; I think I am always hungry," sighed Jack. "Peggy says I eat too
+much."
+
+"You don't look much like it. Now Jack, one thing more. Would you be
+willing to leave Peggy, and go to New York with me?"
+
+"Would you take me to my grandfather?"
+
+"Yes; that is just what I want to do."
+
+"I am ready to go now," said Jack, putting his hand confidingly in
+Mark's.
+
+"That is well, but it will be better to wait till to-morrow. What time
+do you get up in the morning?"
+
+"About eight o'clock. It isn't any use to go out too early."
+
+"And at what time do you come here, Jack?"
+
+"About half-past eight or nine."
+
+"Then I will meet you to-morrow, somewhere about that time, and I will
+have tickets ready to take us to New York. We can catch the ten o'clock
+train. There isn't any danger of Peggy keeping you, is there?"
+
+"Not unless she thinks I am goin' to run away."
+
+"She mustn't suspect that. We must be sure to keep that from her. I
+suppose you have no other clothes than those you have on?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I will hunt up a clothing-store, and get you fitted out before we
+start. I shouldn't like your grandfather to see you in that ragged
+suit."
+
+Jack looked down at his jacket, frayed, tattered and greasy, and said:
+
+"I've often wished I had nice clothes like that boy," and he pointed out
+a boy of about his own age, dressed in knickerbockers.
+
+"You shall have your wish to-morrow, Jack. Now I suppose you had better
+go and buy some more matches, so that Peggy won't suspect anything."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You'll be sure to meet me to-morrow, Jack?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And don't let Peggy suspect from your looks that anything is going on."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Everything looks favorable," thought Mark as he walked slowly to his
+hotel. "To-morrow at this time Peggy and the worthy Lyman will be
+mourning for a lost boy."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXI.
+                        JACK TALKS IN HIS SLEEP.
+
+
+JACK was naturally very much excited by the new prospects that opened
+out before him. He had seen little happiness in his short life. It is a
+sad thing to say that he had hardly ever known what it was to eat a full
+meal. Cold and pinching privation, and long, toilsome days in the
+streets, had been his portion hitherto. Was it possible, he asked
+himself, that all this was to be changed.
+
+Was he to have a home like other boys, and a relation who was able to
+supply him with the comforts of which he knew so little?
+
+It seemed like a dream, and little Jack might have been tempted to
+distrust the information which had been given to him. But somehow he
+could not help feeling confidence in what Mark told him. He felt that
+Mark would not deceive him, and the dream must come true after all.
+
+Jack finished out the day as usual, and went home. Peggy's attention was
+at once called to the new basket.
+
+"Where did that come from?" she asked.
+
+"My basket was stolen, and a kind gentleman gave me money to buy this."
+Jack answered.
+
+"Was the matches stole too?"
+
+"Yes; he gave me money enough to buy as many as I lost."
+
+"Who stole 'em? Do you know?"
+
+"I think it was Tim Roach. He was hangin' round, at the time I lost it."
+
+"Did he snatch it from you?"
+
+"No; I laid it down a minute while I went into a cigar store to get a
+quarter changed for a gentleman who had just bought a box of matches,
+when Tim picked it up and ran away."
+
+"I'd like to get hold of Tim!" said Peggy wrathfully. "I'd wring his
+neck for him, the little wretch!"
+
+Then a new and cunning idea came to Peggy.
+
+"I tell you what to do, Jack," she said; "just you go out to-morrow
+mornin' without any basket, and begin to cry, and tell people that
+you've had your matches stolen. Then somebody'll give you money, and you
+can bring it home."
+
+"But that would be tellin' a lie, Peggy," objected Jack.
+
+"And what if it is!" retorted Peggy. "You needn't be so dreadfully good.
+It ain't a lie that'll hurt anybody, and the gentlemen that gives you
+the money won't miss it."
+
+It occurred to Jack that it would suit his plans to go out the next
+morning without the basket. Considering how he had been brought up, his
+conscience was unusually tender, and he would not have liked to leave
+the city without returning the basket and his stock-in-trade to Peggy.
+Besides, she could have him arrested for theft, if she chose. He
+decided, therefore, that he would make no further objection to Peggy's
+proposal.
+
+"Just as you say, Peggy," he said, submissively.
+
+"That's a good boy!" said Peggy, good-humoredly. "That's a pretty good
+snap!" she said to herself, complacently. "I don't know why we shouldn't
+foller it up. It'll be more than the profit of the matches, and Jack can
+do it two or three times a day."
+
+It did, indeed, seem a very ingenious method of raising money, and
+answered the purpose of begging, without being open to the usual
+objection.
+
+[Illustration: The old woman drawing near the pallet, strove to catch
+the words that fell from the boy's lips.]
+
+Jack usually got tired with being about the streets all day, and after
+he had eaten the frugal supper with which Peggy had provided him, he lay
+down on a pallet provided for him in the corner of the room, and was
+soon asleep. But with such a momentous secret on his mind, it will not
+be a matter of surprise that Jack's thoughts, even in sleep, were
+occupied with his new plan. Whenever he was restless he was apt to talk
+in his sleep, and did so on the present occasion.
+
+Peggy had not gone to bed, but sat in an old wooden rocking-chair,
+smoking a pipe.
+
+"What's the boy sayin'?" she asked herself, as Jack began to talk. "I'll
+listen, and then if he's been up to any mischief, he'll out with it."
+
+She removed the pipe, and drawing near the pallet, bent over, and strove
+to catch the disconnected words that fell from the boy's lips.
+
+"I'm goin'—to—my grandfather!" she heard Jack say, and the words
+startled her.
+
+"Who's been talkin' to him about his grandfather?" Peggy exclaimed,
+startled. "I didn't know he'd heard a word about him."
+
+"He says—he will—take me!" continued Jack, in a drowsy tone.
+
+"He says he'll take him!" repeated Peggy, in surprise and alarm. "Who's
+he, I'd like to know."
+
+Her suspicions fell at once upon Lyman. No one, so far as she knew, had
+any knowledge of Jack's relations except Lyman. Evidently Lyman had been
+talking to the boy on the sly.
+
+"The villain!" said Peggy, indignantly; "I know what he's up to. He
+wants to get the boy away from me, and get all the reward himself. He's
+going to leave Peggy out in the cowld, and abduct the boy on the sly.
+I've found him out, the artful schamer. So he thinks he can over-rache
+ould Peggy, does he? He'll find it's a cowld day when ould Peggy gets
+left."
+
+Jack began to talk again.
+
+"He says he'll take me off in the cars," he continued. "I like to ride
+in the cars. My grandfather will give me enough to eat, and I won't have
+to sell matches for a livin'."
+
+"The ongrateful young kid," commented Peggy, looking angrily at the
+sleeping boy. "So he wants to lave me who've took care of him ever since
+he was a babby, and he don't mind it no more'n if I was a puppy dog. _I_
+that have been a mother to him!"
+
+Peggy rocked back and forward, and actually persuaded herself that
+little Jack was very ungrateful. It is curious how we misrepresent
+matters from our own point of view. It was Jack who had supported Peggy,
+and she was far more indebted to him than he was to her, but somehow she
+could not see it. She did, however, understand fully how unpleasant it
+would be to lose Jack's services, unless she could receive, as Lyman had
+led her to expect, an adequate compensation from his grandfather.
+
+Peggy deliberated as to what was best to be done. In the first place,
+she wanted to find out for a certainty whether Lyman had really entered
+into a conspiracy against her and meant to abduct Jack without her
+knowledge or consent. It seemed on the whole, the best thing to get up
+herself and follow Jack the next morning, and make sure that Lyman did
+not have a secret conference with him.
+
+When Jack was ready to start out the next morning, Peggy asked with
+apparent carelessness, "Jack, dear, do you ever see the tall gentleman
+that calls here sometimes?"
+
+"Yes, Peggy; I saw him yesterday," answered Jack, readily.
+
+"And what did he say to you?" she asked eagerly.
+
+"He didn't speak to me at all."
+
+"That's a lie!" Peggy said to herself. "He told the bye not to tell."
+But she didn't think it best to charge Jack with it, and so through him
+put Lyman on his guard.
+
+"Remember, lad, you've got no better friend than ould Peggy. If you
+should lave her, she'd die of grafe."
+
+"Thank you, Peggy," said Jack, but he was not much impressed by this
+declaration of affection from one who often beat and systematically
+starved him.
+
+Five minutes after Jack had left the house, Peggy threw on her old
+cloak, and, at a safe distance, followed her youthful charge, meaning to
+keep him under her eye, and watch lest he should be carried off by Lyman
+Taylor. But luckily for Jack, whose meeting with Mark would otherwise
+have been detected, she changed her plan, when she recognized a little
+in advance Lyman himself on State Street.
+
+"It'll be better to watch him," she decided, and gave up following Jack.
+
+Meanwhile Jack had not been at his usual stand more than ten minutes,
+when Mark came up.
+
+"I am glad you are ahead of time, Jack," he said. "Come along with me."
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXII.
+                            JACK IS PURSUED.
+
+
+"ARE you goin' to take me away to-day?" asked Jack, who wished to be
+assured that the dream was coming true.
+
+"Yes, Jack, but I can't take you away as you are. I know a place near by
+where you can take a good bath. I will leave you then, and go round by
+myself and buy you some clothes. I can guess your size."
+
+He led the way to a barber's shop which advertised baths, procured a
+ticket, and leaving Jack with strict injunctions to wash himself
+thoroughly, sallied out in search of an outfit for his young companion.
+That did not take long. He returned with two good sized bundles, and
+requested Jack to dress himself in them. When Jack emerged from the
+bath-room he was quite transformed. He was still thin, and his features
+looked pinched, but his dress was, in all respects, that of a boy
+belonging to a well-to-do family.
+
+"Now I think I must have your hair cut, and you will do."
+
+In truth, Jack's long, elf-like locks made his face appear even thinner
+than it really was.
+
+"Don't you want to be shaved, too, young man?" asked the barber,
+jocosely.
+
+"Perhaps he wants to be shaved," said Jack, pointing to Mark, with a
+smile.
+
+Mark colored a little, realizing that he scarcely needed that operation
+any more than Jack.
+
+"Now look at yourself in the glass, Jack!" said Mark.
+
+Jack obeyed, and looked first bewildered, then pleased. He thought at
+first that he was looking at another boy.
+
+"Is that me?" he inquired, almost incredulously.
+
+"I think it is. Peggy wouldn't know you," answered Mark, with a smile.
+
+"I don't want her to," answered the little boy.
+
+Mark had forgotten one thing—a pair of shoes. As he scanned Jack
+critically, he noted the omission, and said, "Jack, we must go to a shoe
+store. It will never do for a young gentleman like you to wear a pair of
+shoes out at the toes and sides."
+
+"They don't look very well," said Jack, with a downward look.
+
+"As you may be taken for my son," said Mark gravely, "I want you to look
+well."
+
+"You're only a boy!" said Jack, who was inclined to a literal
+understanding of what was told him.
+
+"You wouldn't take me for twenty-five, then, Jack?"
+
+"No, you're not that, are you?"
+
+"Well, not quite."
+
+They had not far to go to a shoe store, but it took some time to get
+fitted to a pair of shoes, on account of Jack's having a high instep.
+This delay came near wrecking their plans. Tim Roach, who usually passed
+his time in roaming about the streets, without any special occupation,
+caught sight of Jack as he entered the shoe store with Mark. He let his
+eye rest upon him carelessly at first, but his indifferent glance was
+soon succeeded by a look of the most intense amazement.
+
+"My eye!" he exclaimed, "if that isn't little Jack dressed out like a
+prince! What's happened, I wonder, and who's that with him? I jest wish
+he'd rig me out that way."
+
+Tim did not make himself known, but peered curiously in at the door of
+the store.
+
+"I wonder whether Peggy knows about it?" he soliloquized. "I don't
+believe she does. Wouldn't she open her eyes to see the kid rigged out
+that way. I'd like to tell her."
+
+Circumstances seemed to favor the gratification of this wish, for not
+many rods away he caught sight of Peggy and Lyman Taylor talking
+together.
+
+"I'll go and tell her," he said.
+
+We will precede him and relate what had taken place between the two
+schemers. Peggy had started out with the confident belief that Lyman had
+played her false, and meant to carry away Jack without her knowledge or
+consent. It did, indeed, look as if she were correct, for it must be
+remembered that she knew nothing of Mark's mission to Chicago, Lyman not
+having thought it necessary to tell her. She wanted to meet Lyman and
+"have it out with him," if she found any confirmation in her suspicions.
+
+Lyman chanced to turn, and seeing Peggy with her eyes fixed on him,
+retraced his steps till he reached her.
+
+"Do you want to see me, Peggy?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I wanted to see you, Mr. Lyman Taylor, and ask what you mane by
+tryin' to stale away the bye from me?"
+
+Lyman stared at her in surprise.
+
+"I don't know what you mean," he answered, with a shrug of his
+shoulders. "I thought it was understood that we would restore the boy to
+his grandfather if he would make it worth our while."
+
+"And you didn't mane to take away the bye without my knowin' it?"
+
+"Certainly not. Who told you so?"
+
+"And you haven't told the bye about goin' back to his grandfather?"
+
+"I haven't spoken a word to the boy on the subject."
+
+"Then how did he know about it?"
+
+"Does he know about it?"
+
+Peggy then told her companion about what she had overheard Jack say in
+his sleep the night before. Lyman Taylor was surprised and alarmed, and
+these feelings were so evident on his face that Peggy acquitted him of
+any breach of faith.
+
+"I don't understand it," he said, meditatively. "I have never spoken a
+word about the matter except in your room. Did you ask him about it?"
+
+"I asked him when did he see you, and he said yesterday."
+
+"He might have seen me, but I had no conversation with him."
+
+"So he said."
+
+"He told the truth. I don't think any harm is done, Peggy. He must have
+overheard what we were talking about when we supposed him asleep."
+
+"That's true. Maybe he did."
+
+"That won't interfere with our plans that I can see. I have written to
+my uncle and expect to hear from him in a few days. I will let you know
+what he says as soon as I get the letter."
+
+Then it was that Tim Roach came up, looking preternaturally knowing.
+
+"How are you, Peg?" he said. "Are you walkin' wid your beau?"
+
+"Go away wid you! You're always botherin'."
+
+"You'd orter see what I did jest now," said Tim, wagging his head.
+
+"What did you see, then?"
+
+"I seed your Jack rigged out like a prince in new clothes and a new hat.
+Didn't he look fine?"
+
+"You saw Jack dressed that way?" gasped Peggy.
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"You're lyin' now."
+
+"Wish I may die if I didn't."
+
+"Where was he?"
+
+"In Simpson's shoe store, pickin' out a nice new pair of shoes."
+
+"How could the boy get all these things without money?" asked Lyman
+incredulous.
+
+"There was a big boy wid him was buyin' the things."
+
+"A big boy!" repeated Lyman quickly; "how old was he?"
+
+"Maybe sixteen or seventeen."
+
+An expression, full of dismay, overspread Lyman Taylor's face.
+
+"It is Mark Manning!" he exclaimed. "Quick, boy, tell me where he is."
+
+"In Simpson's shoe store."
+
+"And who is Mark Manning?" asked Peggy bewildered.
+
+"The boy his grandfather sent out here to find him. It's he that has
+been telling Jack about his grandfather. Quick, Peggy! we must go and
+stop him, or he'll take Jack away and leave us out in the cold."
+
+The ill-matched pair hurried to the place indicated by Tim.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XXXIII.
+                       MARK ELUDES HIS PURSUERS.
+
+
+LITTLE Jack had been fitted with a pair of shoes, and Mark had settled
+for them, when the little boy chancing to look towards the entrance of
+the store, was almost paralyzed by the sight of Peggy and Lyman looking
+in at the window. His eyes were good, and he could read on Peggy's face
+a malicious exultation, which boded ill for him when he should again
+find himself in her clutches.
+
+Mark, who had not seen them, noticed the fear upon the face of his
+little charge.
+
+"What's the matter, Jack?" he asked.
+
+"It's them!" answered Jack, hoarsely.
+
+"Who's them?"
+
+"Peggy—and the gentleman."
+
+"Where are they?"
+
+"Looking in at the winder."
+
+Mark had his wits about him, and did not turn round. He wished Peggy and
+her confederate to think themselves undiscovered, while he rapidly
+considered what was best to be done.
+
+Should he leave the store by the front door, Jack would at once be
+pounced upon by Peggy, and there would be a scene.
+
+He might eventually recover Jack, but in the meantime the boy would be
+ill-treated, stripped of his good clothes, and perhaps carried out of
+the city. Just as success seemed assured, he was confronted by defeat.
+
+What was to be done?
+
+Mark was not a boy to give in, unless compelled to do so. An idea came
+to him.
+
+"Jack," he said in a low voice, "don't look towards the window again.
+Don't let them know you have seen them."
+
+"You won't let Peggy get hold of me!" said the boy in a trembling voice.
+
+"Not if I can help it."
+
+Turning to the salesman who had waited upon him, Mark said:
+
+"There are some people at the door that I want to avoid meeting. Is
+there any back entrance to the store?"
+
+"Yes," answered the clerk.
+
+"Will you be kind enough to guide us to it?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Don't look behind you, Jack, but come with me. Don't be alarmed!"
+
+The salesman guided them to a door opening on a narrow street. Boxes of
+goods were so piled up, that this door could not be seen from the window
+into which Peggy and Lyman were looking.
+
+"Where are they going?" Peggy asked.
+
+"To look at some goods in the back part of the store," answered Lyman.
+
+This reassured Peggy, who kept her position, feeling sure that Jack
+could not escape her when he came out.
+
+"I'll sell his new clothes," she thought complacently. "I'll be in luck
+after all."
+
+Once out of the store, Mark looked about him. He felt that it behooved
+him to get beyond the reach of Jack's pursuers as soon as possible.
+Circumstances favored him. Just at the head of the street, he saw a lady
+descend from a hack.
+
+"Hurry up, Jack," he said. "We'll get into this cab."
+
+The driver was about to drive away, after settling with his fare, when
+Mark hailed him.
+
+"Are you unengaged?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Can you drive me at once to the Union Depot in Van Buren Street?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+He dismounted from the box, opened the door for his next passengers, and
+they got in. Then resuming his place on the box, he drove rapidly away.
+
+It so chanced that he passed by the front of the very store from which
+they had just emerged.
+
+Little Jack stole a glance out of the window of the cab.
+
+"There's Peg!" he said.
+
+Following his example, Mark also caught sight of the two with their
+faces glued to the window, still looking in, unconscious that their prey
+had escaped them.
+
+Mark smiled. He felt like a victor, and rather enjoyed the thought of
+having outgeneraled the fox.
+
+"I hope they'll have a good time watching for us, Jack," he said.
+
+The little boy still felt nervous.
+
+"Do you think they'll catch me?" he asked.
+
+"No, Jack, I think they'll get left this time."
+
+The cab made its way rapidly through the crowded streets, and in a very
+short time drew up at the Union Depot.
+
+Mark paid the driver, and accompanied by Jack, made his way to the
+ticket office.
+
+"How soon will there be a train East?" he asked.
+
+"In ten minutes."
+
+"That will suit us, Jack."
+
+He bought tickets, and, the cars being ready, they took their seats in a
+comfortable car of the Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad.
+
+"If they should come here!" suggested Jack, nervously.
+
+"They would have to run fast, if our train leaves on time. There is no
+danger, Jack. Even if they suspect that we have left the store, they
+wouldn't know where we are gone."
+
+Still, even Mark felt relieved and reassured when the signal was given
+and the long train began to steam out of the depot.
+
+"Wouldn't you like to go back and bid Peggy good-by?" he asked,
+jocosely.
+
+"I hope I shall never see Peggy again," answered the little boy,
+shuddering.
+
+"If you ever do, there won't be any danger of her doing you any harm.
+Your grandfather will take care of that."
+
+In his hurry to leave the city, Mark had been compelled to leave his
+bill at the hotel unpaid, but his valise was left behind as security. At
+the first opportunity he telegraphed to the land-lord, promising to
+remit the necessary money, and asking him to hold the valise till
+instructed where to send it by express.
+
+We will now go back to Peggy and Lyman, who were impatiently maintaining
+their watch at the window of the shoe store.
+
+When fifteen minutes had passed, and Jack and Mark did not appear, they
+became alarmed.
+
+"Where are they?" muttered Peggy. "It's long enough they are stayin'."
+
+"You are right, Peggy."
+
+Just then a policeman tapped him on the shoulder. He had been watching
+them for some time and their conduct seemed to him suspicious.
+
+"What are you doing here, my man?" he asked, suspiciously. "You had
+better move on."
+
+"We are waiting for some one to come out," answered Lyman.
+
+"How long do you mean to wait? Is this woman with you?"
+
+"Yes," answered Lyman, reluctantly, for he was not proud of his
+companion, whose appearance was hardly calculated to do him credit.
+
+"Shure, my little bye has been shtole," she put in, "and he's in the
+store now wid the man that shtole him."
+
+"Then you'd better go in and claim him instead of standing here and
+blocking up the sidewalk."
+
+"I think I will follow your advice," said Lyman. "Will you be kind
+enough to stay here a minute, in case I need your help?"
+
+"Very well; only be quick."
+
+Lyman entered the store, and failing to see Jack and Mark, addressed one
+of the salesmen.
+
+"Two boys were in here a short time since," he said; "one large one and
+one small one. Can you tell me where they are?"
+
+It happened that the salesman addressed was the same one who had guided
+the boys to the back entrance. At least fifteen minutes had elapsed, and
+there would be no danger in telling the truth.
+
+"They went away some time since," he answered.
+
+"They did not go out the front door, for I've been there all the time."
+
+"There's another door," quietly retorted the clerk.
+
+"Where?" asked Lyman, in dismay.
+
+"In the rear of the store."
+
+"Sold, by thunder!" exclaimed Lyman, under his breath. "How long have
+they been gone?"
+
+"Fifteen minutes. Were they friends of yours?"
+
+"The small boy was my son," answered Lyman, unblushingly.
+
+"And was the woman I saw with you at the window his mother?" asked the
+salesman, with a smile.
+
+"Certainly not," answered Lyman, coloring with indignation. "The older
+boy has abducted him."
+
+"Why didn't you come in sooner, then?"
+
+"I wish I had."
+
+Great was Peggy's dismay when Lyman told her what he had learned. She
+had fully decided to beat Jack soundly, and now she was baffled of her
+revenge. The two confederates spent the rest of the day in wandering
+about the streets of Chicago in search of Jack and his friend, but their
+search was in vain.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXIV.
+                     MRS. MANNING'S HOUSE IS SOLD.
+
+
+IT is now time to return to Pocasset and inquire how our old
+acquaintances are prospering.
+
+It was still a matter of wonder what had become of Mark. Mrs. Manning
+gave no information, and no letters were received at the post-office
+which would throw light on the mystery. Mark, by arrangement, directed
+all his letters to Mr. Hardy, who inclosed and forwarded them to the
+Pocasset office. Tom Wyman, the postmaster's son, was puzzled to account
+for the letters received from New York by Mrs. Manning.
+
+"They must be from Mark," said James Collins.
+
+"They don't seem to be in Mark's hand-writing."
+
+"He probably gets some one to direct them for him, so as to throw dust
+in our eyes."
+
+This was the conclusion upon which the two boys finally settled.
+
+Another cause of wonder was the hermit's visits to the city. Since he
+had heard that his grandson was living, he went up often to consult with
+Mr. Hardy. Family affection in him had not died out. It had only been
+dormant, and now it was thoroughly reawakened.
+
+"I long to see my daughter's boy," he said. "It will give me something
+to live for. I tremble lest the cup of happiness should be dashed from
+my lips, just as my hopes are awakened."
+
+"Don't be anxious, old friend. Your affairs are in good hands. Mark is
+only a boy, but he has far more discretion and fidelity than most men.
+Do you know what I have in view?"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"If he succeeds in this enterprise I propose, with his mother's
+permission, to take him into my office, and train him up in my business.
+I have hitherto employed boys simply as boys, but Mark is one whom I can
+train up for a responsible position. I am getting older every year, and
+when I am really old, I shall be glad to have a young man at my side
+upon whom I can shift the burden of my business. Do you think his mother
+would object?"
+
+"Mrs. Manning is a sensible woman. I think she will be glad to have her
+son so well provided for. If it is necessary I will myself advise her to
+commit him to your charge."
+
+At length a telegram came from Mark, and by good luck when Mr. Taylor
+was in the office of his agent. It ran thus:
+
+    "JOHN HARDY, NEW YORK.
+
+    "I am on my way to New York with little Jack. Particulars when we
+    meet.
+
+                                                         "MARK MANNING."
+
+"There, old friend, what do you say to that?" asked John Hardy,
+triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you the boy would succeed? Was my
+confidence misplaced?"
+
+"He had my confidence from the first," said Anthony, his face luminous
+with happiness, "but I knew he had an adroit enemy in my nephew Lyman. I
+didn't dare to expect that a country boy would be equal to the
+emergency."
+
+"Now, you can go home with a light heart. In a day or two, your grandson
+will be with you. What are your plans respecting him? Shall you take him
+to Pocasset?"
+
+"I don't think I can do better. He will need a woman's care, and I know
+of no one who will prove kinder than Mrs. Manning."
+
+"She has this in her favor at any rate. She has brought up her own boy
+well. But will the house be large or comfortable enough?"
+
+"I am not very particular for myself. You will judge that when you
+remember the cabin in the woods, where I spent several years. The house
+is small, however, but there is another vacant, much larger and
+handsomer, which I can buy or rent, already furnished. The owner and
+occupant died recently, and his heirs, living in a distant state, want
+to sell it. It has a handsome lawn and a garden attached. It stands near
+the house of Mr. Collins."
+
+"Well, you are able to gratify your own taste in the matter. I will send
+Mark down as soon as he arrives."
+
+When Anthony reached home, he found Mrs. Manning anxious and perturbed.
+The cause will require some explanation.
+
+The small cottage in which Mark and his mother lived did not belong to
+them. They rented it from Deacon Brooks, an old farmer living just out
+of the village, at five-dollars monthly rental. For a special reason
+Squire Collins desired to possess it. He owned the lot adjoining, and it
+occurred to him that the two combined would make a desirable property.
+The house, which was a cottage, could be raised one story, and made much
+more commodious. In that case, it would easily command more than twice
+the rent. The foreman of the shoe-shop stood prepared to rent it of him,
+as soon as the alteration was made.
+
+He therefore approached Deacon Brooks, with a proposition to purchase
+it.
+
+"I don't know," said the deacon. "I never thought of sellin', but I
+can't say I'm opposed to it. I'm getting good rent from the widder
+Manning."
+
+"There's no knowing, deacon, how long she'll be able to pay her rent,"
+said the squire, nodding with a meaning look.
+
+"Sho! you don't say! She ain't lost any money, has she?"
+
+"She had none to lose. Her boy Mark has about supported her with his
+small earnings in the shop. But he isn't employed there any longer."
+
+"I heard something of that. Did you discharge him?"
+
+"Yes; he got too uppish—wasn't willing to obey orders. I was sorry to
+discharge him on his mother's account, but it was his own fault."
+
+"Seems to me I haven't seen him round the village lately?"
+
+"No; he has gone to the city on some wild-goose expedition. My boy James
+thinks he is blacking boots or selling papers. As to that I can't say,
+but it isn't likely he is able to help his mother much."
+
+"I hear Mrs. Manning has a boarder?"
+
+"Yes; it's the old hermit that lived in the woods. I believe he has a
+small pension from some relations, but it doesn't amount to much.
+Probably he doesn't pay more than two or three dollars a week board.
+That won't go far, eh, deacon?"
+
+"You're right there, squire. It costs a sight to live. How much do you
+think my grocery bill came to last month?"
+
+"I don't know," answered the squire, with a curious smile. The deacon
+had the reputation of being very close-fisted, and it was rather amusing
+to hear him speak of the cost of living.
+
+"Fifteen dollars and sixty-seven cents," said the deacon, with the air
+of one who hardly expected to be believed.
+
+"I believe you have six in family," said Squire Collins, with a smile.
+
+"Yes, six, including the hired man."
+
+"I pity your family," thought the squire, who, at all events, kept a
+liberal table.
+
+"Yes, it costs a great deal to live," he added, "and, of course, the
+Widow Manning, though her family is small, can't live on nothing. When
+she finds she can't pay all her bills, she will probably begin by being
+remiss in her rent."
+
+"That's so, squire! She's allus paid so far right up to the handle,
+though."
+
+"When she had Mark's help; but as I told you he is not now in a
+condition to help his mother. Well, what do you say? Shall I have the
+house?"
+
+Then commenced the bargaining. Both parties were sharp, but at length a
+conclusion was reached. Squire Collins agreed to pay eight hundred and
+fifty dollars for the cottage, five hundred to remain on bond and
+mortgage, at six per cent. In a day or two the necessary papers were
+made out, and then Squire Collins took a walk over to the cottage, to
+inform Mrs. Manning that the house had passed into his possession, and
+it would be necessary for her to find another home.
+
+It might have been supposed he would feel some compunction, but he did
+not have much feeling or sympathy for the widow. The ill-feeling between
+Mark and his son had its effect upon him also.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXV.
+                            NOTICE TO QUIT.
+
+
+THERE are some men who enjoy the prospect of dealing a blow, and
+watching the effect—men whose best feelings have been deadened, and who
+have lost all sympathy for those less fortunate than themselves. That
+Squire Collins was a man of this kind will not seem strange to those who
+have followed the course of this story. He set out for Mrs. Manning's
+cottage with a comfortable complacency, though he knew that the
+communication he had to make would bring her great trouble and sorrow.
+
+Quite unconscious of the impending blow, Mrs. Manning was sitting at the
+front window engaged in sewing, while her thoughts were with her absent
+boy, whom she seemed to miss more and more as his absence lengthened.
+Casually looking up from her work, she saw with considerable surprise
+the dignified figure of Squire Collins turning in at her gate.
+
+"What can bring the squire here," she thought. She was not in the habit
+of receiving or expecting calls from her aristocratic townsman, and
+concluded that he must have some special object in calling.
+
+Perhaps he had come to offer to take Mark back into the shop. If so, it
+might be the best thing for her son. She knew very little of old
+Anthony's circumstances, and she did not anticipate any permanent
+position for Mark from that quarter.
+
+"Good morning, Squire Collins," she said, politely.
+
+"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," he responded, somewhat stiffly.
+
+"Won't you come in?"
+
+"Thank you; I will step in for a few minutes, I have a little business
+to speak of."
+
+"It must be that he means to take Mark back into the shop," thought the
+widow, cheerfully.
+
+She led the way into the plain sitting-room, and invited the village
+magnate to take a seat.
+
+"Ahem! your son Mark is away?" remarked the squire, inquiringly. This
+confirmed Mrs. Manning in her conjecture as to the squire's errand.
+
+"Yes," she answered; "but I think he will be at home before long. I miss
+him a great deal."
+
+"I suppose he can't make a living in New York," thought the squire.
+Rather fortunately he didn't inquire where Mark was, since this would
+have embarrassed Mrs. Manning, who knew that it was a secret not to be
+mentioned, and yet would have been reluctant to offend the squire by
+withholding the information.
+
+"Probably he will be as well off at home," said the squire. "I don't
+believe much in boys leaving home on wild-goose expeditions. They think
+it perfectly easy to earn a living elsewhere, but they are pretty apt to
+reap only disappointment."
+
+"I dare say you are right, squire," said Mrs. Manning, leading up to the
+subject of a return to the shop; "but there didn't seem to be anything
+for Mark to do at home."
+
+Squire Collins understood her object, but had no intention of offering
+employment to Mark. He looked at the widow with a peculiar smile, and
+enjoyed the disappointment which his next words were calculated to
+bring.
+
+"I dare say Mark can hire out to some good farmer," he replied,
+indifferently. "Farming is a good healthy business."
+
+Mrs. Manning sighed, for she rightly interpreted that no place in the
+shop was to be offered to Mark.
+
+"Ahem!" said the squire, changing the subject; "you have a boarder, I
+understand?"
+
+"Yes; Mr. Taylor makes his home with us."
+
+"A sensible move on his part. It was a strange thing to live in the
+woods by himself so many years. I hope he will be able to pay his
+board."
+
+"He pays regularly every week," answered the widow.
+
+"I presume he's quite poor?"
+
+"Mark thinks he has considerable money, but I have no means of judging,
+except that he pays his bills promptly."
+
+Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Mark is an inexperienced boy," he said. "The truth is, as I understand,
+old Anthony receives a small pension from some relatives in New York. It
+can't be much, but I hope, for your sake, that he has enough to pay his
+board."
+
+Mrs. Manning began to wonder whether this was what Squire Collins came
+to talk about. She was soon more fully informed.
+
+"How long have you lived in this cottage, Mrs. Manning?" asked the
+squire.
+
+"Ten years, sir."
+
+"You hire of Deacon Brooks?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Ahem! I came here this morning to acquaint you with the fact that I
+have just bought the property."
+
+"Has Deacon Brooks sold to you?" asked the widow, in surprise.
+
+"Yes; the papers have passed, and the transfer has been made. I am now
+the legal owner."
+
+"I shall be glad to keep the house, Squire Collins, if you have no other
+views," said Mrs. Manning. "I have been paying five dollars a month
+rent, and if that is satisfactory——"
+
+"The fact is, Mrs. Manning," interrupted the squire, "I _have_ other
+views. I intend to raise the house a story, and have promised to rent
+it, when completed, to my foreman, Mr. Lake, who contemplates marriage.
+He is boarding at present, as you know."
+
+Mrs. Manning was very much disturbed. It is no light thing to be forced
+to leave a house which has been one's home for a period of ten years,
+especially in a country town where surplus houses are generally scarce
+and hard to find.
+
+"I don't know where I can go," said the widow, anxiously.
+
+"No doubt you'll find some place," said the squire, carelessly.
+
+"How soon do you want me to vacate the house, Squire Collins?" asked
+Mrs. Manning, anxiously.
+
+"At the end of the month."
+
+"But that is only a week from to-day."
+
+"Quite true."
+
+"That is a very short time."
+
+"It ought to be time enough, Mrs. Manning," said the squire, stiffly.
+
+"I would be willing to pay a little higher rent if you would allow me to
+remain, Squire Collins."
+
+"Quite out of the question, Mrs. Manning. Indeed, I will say that I
+think you already pay all you can afford to. I doubt whether you will be
+able—with Mark out of employment—to keep up your present rent. As I
+understand, about all your income comes from a boarder, whose means must
+be extremely limited, and who, in all probability, will end his days in
+the alms-house."
+
+"I don't know of any other house in the village."
+
+"Well, you can think it over; of course that is your own affair, not
+mine."
+
+"If Mark were only at home," said the perplexed woman; "I would know
+better what to do."
+
+"You had better send for him then. Good morning."
+
+Squire Collins rose and left the presence of the widow whom he had made
+thoroughly anxious and unhappy.
+
+In the course of the afternoon old Anthony came home. He was looking
+unusually jubilant and happy, in direct contrast with the widow's
+anxious face.
+
+"Mrs. Manning," he said, "I bring you good news."
+
+"I am glad of it, sir, for I have only bad news."
+
+"And what is your bad news?"
+
+"I must leave this house."
+
+"How is that?" asked the hermit, looking surprised.
+
+"Because it has been sold. Squire Collins has bought it, and says that
+he is intending to enlarge it, and then let it to Mr. Lake, his
+foreman."
+
+"And that is all your bad news?"
+
+"Yes, sir; but I consider it bad enough. I don't know where I can go."
+
+"I will let you have my cabin in the woods rent free," said the hermit,
+with a smile.
+
+"I don't know but I shall have to go there," said the widow, sighing.
+
+"You don't ask me what my good news is," said Anthony.
+
+"I would like to hear it, sir."
+
+"By day after to-morrow Mark will be home."
+
+Mrs. Manning's face did brighten up at this intelligence.
+
+"This is really good news," she said gladly. "Mark will advise me what
+to do."
+
+"Mark will not come alone. Do you think, Mrs. Manning, you can
+accommodate another boarder?"
+
+"Who is it, sir?"
+
+"A little boy. I don't care to keep it secret. It is my grandson."
+
+"Your grandson?"
+
+"Yes; I sent Mark out West to find him. He has succeeded in his mission,
+and the two are now on the way home."
+
+"I shall be glad to take him, sir, if I have anywhere to receive him.
+Squire Collins's visit has rather upset me, and I don't know what to do,
+or where to turn."
+
+"If your only trouble is about a house, I will undertake to find one for
+you. Don't borrow any trouble on that score."
+
+"But I don't know of any house that will come within my means."
+
+"I am afraid, Mrs. Manning, that you haven't confidence in me. I tell
+you again, not to borrow any trouble. I may as well tell you that this
+house will not be large enough for your increased family, and that I
+intended to propose to you to take another."
+
+The widow's anxiety was somewhat relieved. Still she could not help
+wondering what house old Anthony would succeed in finding. There was one
+comfort. In two days Mark would be at home, and would be able to help
+him.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXVI.
+                      THE HERMIT SECURES A HOUSE.
+
+
+A SHORT distance from the house occupied by Squire Collins was one which
+had been for six months vacant. It had been erected as a summer
+residence by a New York gentleman, and occupied by him for several
+seasons. It was the finest house in the village, and it seemed a pity it
+should remain untenanted.
+
+Mr. Beech, the builder, now spent his summers at various
+watering-places, and had apparently tired of Pocasset. It was understood
+that the house was left in the hands of Mr. Thompson, who was authorized
+to let it to a responsible tenant.
+
+Old Anthony the next morning made it in his way to call at the office of
+Mr. Thompson. The latter received him with his usual courtesy.
+
+"I hear that you are boarding with Mrs. Manning, Mr. Taylor," he said.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I think you must find it much more agreeable than your life in the
+woods."
+
+"I do; I am getting over my misanthropy, and am taking more cheerful
+views of life."
+
+"That is good. My son Frank is an intimate friend of Mark, and thinks a
+great deal of him and his mother."
+
+"So do I," responded the hermit. "Mark is a straightforward boy, and
+will succeed life."
+
+"I hope so. I wish I had anything for him to do—Frank would be glad.
+Perhaps in time I may find him a place."
+
+"I think I shall be able to provide employment for Mark myself," said
+the hermit, quietly.
+
+Mr. Thompson regarded him with surprise. Like the rest of the villagers,
+he had been in the habit of regarding old Anthony as a man of limited
+means.
+
+"By-the-way, Mr. Thompson, I called this morning on a little matter of
+business," continued the hermit. "I believe you have the rental of the
+Beach house."
+
+"Yes," answered Mr. Thompson, somewhat surprised.
+
+"I am acquainted with a family who are on the lookout for a house in
+Groveton. This, I think, would suit them, if the rent is not too high."
+
+"It is, you know, a fine house. Would your friends like to have it
+furnished?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"In that case, the rent will be four hundred dollars a year, or a
+hundred dollars a quarter. In the city, or at Long Branch, as you
+probably are aware, four times as much would be required."
+
+"I think that will be satisfactory. Can immediate possession be given?"
+
+"Yes; I will at once set the cleaners to work, and have it got ready by
+the end of the week. One question I am obliged to ask. Is the party for
+whom you are acting, responsible, in a pecuniary way?"
+
+"The first quarter's rent will be paid in advance."
+
+"Pretty satisfactory. May I ask the name of the tenant?"
+
+"There are reasons for keeping it secret for a few days."
+
+"Oh, well, that is not material."
+
+Old Anthony never said a word about what he had done, for, as my readers
+will conjecture, he meant to have Mark and his mother occupy the house.
+It did, however, get noised about, that Mr. Beach's house was taken.
+Squire Collins among others, was curious to ascertain something about
+the new tenants, and made a call on Mr. Thompson, with the special
+object of finding out.
+
+"I am no wiser than you, Squire Collins," said Mr. Thompson. "Of course
+we shall all know in a few days."
+
+"By whom was the matter negotiated?"
+
+"There again I am bound to secrecy, but all will be known."
+
+"Of course the party must have ample means, and I look forward to having
+a pleasant neighbor—there are very few in the village with whom we can
+associate, on an equality, and so any good family is an acquisition."
+
+"You are more fastidious than I, Squire Collins," said Mr. Thompson
+smiling. "I don't value men according to the size of their
+pocket-books."
+
+"You must admit, however, that refinement and wealth are likely to go
+together. You are not too democratic for that?"
+
+"I am not sure. I have known many rich people who were very far from
+being refined. By-the-way, I hear that you have bought the house
+occupied by Mrs. Manning."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Shall you allow her to remain there?"
+
+"No; I mean to enlarge it, and let my foreman occupy it."
+
+"That will be a disappointment to Mrs. Manning."
+
+"Oh, I suppose so," said the squire, carelessly; "but that is her
+lookout, not mine."
+
+"I really don't know of any house in the village she can obtain."
+
+Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I really haven't troubled my mind about the matter," he said.
+
+"If I had time, I don't know but I would build them a small cottage on
+the vacant lot I have on Glen Street."
+
+"Take my advice, and don't; the widow is in very precarious
+circumstances. Her son, Mark, is out of employment."
+
+"Can't you find him something to do, in your shop?"
+
+"I could, but do not feel disposed to. He is a very independent boy, and
+more than once, he treated my son, James, in a disrespectful way. No; he
+must shift for himself some other way."
+
+"Of the two boys, I certainly very much prefer Mark," thought Mr.
+Thompson; but politeness prevented his saying so.
+
+Squire Collins soon took his leave, having failed to acquire the
+information he sought.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XXXVII.
+                              CONCLUSION.
+
+
+MEANWHILE, Mrs. Manning could not help feeling anxious, about her
+prospects of a house.
+
+"Have you heard of any house, Mr. Taylor?" she asked.
+
+The hermit smiled.
+
+"Don't be troubled, Mrs. Manning," he said; "when you leave this house
+you will find another one to move into."
+
+Mrs. Manning was silenced, but still disquieted. She was even tempted to
+wonder whether old Anthony was really quite right in his mind. But there
+was nothing to be done. She could only wait, patiently.
+
+The next day Mark arrived with little Jack. He was looking unusually
+well, his journey having given him a healthy color, and added to his
+flesh. Jack was still thin and pale, but was beginning to look better
+than when under Peggy's care.
+
+[Illustration: The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms
+and kissed him.]
+
+The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms and kissed
+him.
+
+"I can see my daughter's looks in you, Jack," he said. "I fear your life
+has been a sad one, poor child. It shall be my task to repay you for the
+hardships you have had to meet in your short life."
+
+Little Jack seemed to take instinctively to the rough-looking but,
+kind-hearted old man. The poor match boy seemed to have drifted into a
+haven of rest.
+
+"Shall I ever have to go back to Peggy?" he asked.
+
+"Never, my child. This good lady," indicating Mrs. Manning, "will supply
+the place of your own mother."
+
+"I will sell matches for you, if you want me to, grandfather. I didn't
+like working for Peggy, but I will work for you."
+
+"My dear Jack, instead of working you must go to school, and learn all
+you can. When you are grown up, it will be time for you to work."
+
+It soon became noised about that the little boy, who was seen about the
+village with Mark, was the hermit's grandson. But the grandson of old
+Anthony was not considered a very important person, and only excited
+passing interest.
+
+Mark was let into the secret of the new home to which Mr. Taylor
+proposed to move, and he was naturally pleased to think that his
+mother's condition was to be so much improved.
+
+Nothing had leaked out in the village, however, about the contemplated
+removal.
+
+The week was nearly ended when Mark happened to meet James Collins in
+the street. James had been informed by his father that Mrs. Manning had
+received notice to leave the cottage, and it gratified his dislike of
+Mark. What puzzled him was, Mark's apparent indifference and evident
+good spirits.
+
+"Perhaps he thinks my father will relent, and let him stay, but he'll
+find himself mistaken as I shall let him know when I get a chance."
+
+The chance came that very day.
+
+"Hallo!" said James, as Mark was about to pass him.
+
+"Hallo!" responded Mark smiling.
+
+"I hear you've got to move."
+
+"So I hear."
+
+"It's high time you were finding a new house."
+
+"I think so myself, but that's my mother's business."
+
+"You needn't think my father will let you stay where you are."
+
+"Don't you think he would let us stay a month longer?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"He wouldn't put us out in the street, would he?"
+
+"Look here, Mark Manning, I see what you are at. You want to impose on
+my father's good nature. I shall warn him of your plan."
+
+"Just as you please, James."
+
+The result was that Squire Collins, sharing to some extent his son's
+apprehensions, made a call that same evening at the cottage. All the
+family were at home.
+
+After the usual greetings were over, the squire said:
+
+"I suppose, Mrs. Manning, you will be ready to move on Saturday?"
+
+"Suppose my mother can't get a house," suggested Mark.
+
+"She _must_ find a house," said the squire, severely. "She has had time
+enough to find one. You mustn't blame me if I say that move you must on
+Saturday."
+
+"You need have no anxiety, Squire Collins," said Mrs. Manning, with
+dignity. "I intend to move on that day."
+
+"And where, may I ask?" inquired the squire, with curiosity.
+
+"We move into the Beach house," answered Mark, his eyes fixed with
+smiling interest on the village magnate.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the squire in amazement and incredulity. "Do you mean
+the house near mine?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You must be crazy," he gasped. "That is a very elegant house, and the
+rent is high."
+
+"I think we can pay it."
+
+"And your furniture is unfit for so handsome a residence, even if there
+were enough of it."
+
+"We hire the house with its present furniture," said Mark complacently.
+
+"I don't understand it at all!" exclaimed the perplexed squire. "How can
+you, being almost a beggar, dream of living there?"
+
+"I think, Squire Collins," said old Anthony, quietly, "that you are
+somewhat in error as to my young friend Mark's circumstances."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean that he has a very good property for a boy of his age."
+
+Mark was as much amazed as the squire at this statement. The latter said
+with a sneer:
+
+"And where is this famous property?"
+
+"I will inform you with pleasure. There are a thousand dollars to his
+credit in a savings' bank in New York, and he holds a mortgage of four
+thousand dollars on your manufactory."
+
+Even Mark thought Anthony was out of his mind.
+
+"Why," stammered the squire, "I negotiated that mortgage through Mr.
+Hardy, of New York."
+
+"Exactly! The money he advanced he held in trust for Mark."
+
+"I can't believe this!" exclaimed the squire in mortification and
+bewilderment.
+
+"Is this really true, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mark.
+
+"Yes. Let me inform you, Squire Collins, that though I have lived as a
+hermit, I am really a moderately rich man, and some time since
+transferred without his knowledge five thousand dollars to Mark here,
+who, as you see, is really chief owner of the shop from which you
+discharged him."
+
+"I didn't dream of this!" ejaculated the squire.
+
+"I presume not," said the hermit dryly.
+
+"If Mark chooses to come back into the shop, I will raise his wages."
+
+"My friend Hardy intends to offer Mark a position in his office in the
+city, which I think will suit him better. It only remains to say that
+this cottage will be vacated on Saturday."
+
+"I don't want to inconvenience Mrs. Manning," said the squire, filled
+with respect by the unexpected prosperity of those whom he had come to
+bully. "Stay another week if you wish."
+
+"We don't wish, thank you," said Mark.
+
+It was a wonderful story that Squire Collins had to tell at home, and
+the deep chagrin of James can be imagined. But he was worldly wise, and
+he soon decided to court the boy he had hitherto despised. What annoyed
+him most was the thought Mark held a mortgage on his father's shop, and
+was to live in a house handsomer than his own.
+
+                               ----------
+
+Five years have elapsed since the incidents recorded above. Mark fills a
+responsible position in the office of Mr. Hardy, with a handsome salary.
+Little Jack is now a rosy, healthy child of thirteen, and those who
+remembered him as a match boy would not know him now. His grandfather's
+happiness is bound up in his little grandson, but he is still very much
+attached to Mark, and he has made a new will, in which he divides his
+fortune equally between these two.
+
+Lyman Taylor is again within the walls of a penitentiary, having forged
+a check upon a well-known merchant of Chicago; and old Peggy, taking
+Jack's place, is to be seen any day on Clark or State streets, with a
+basket of matches, which she makes an excuse for appealing to the
+charity of passers by. Her face is growing redder and redder, as her
+potations increase, and she will probably end her career in a hospital
+or alms-house.
+
+James Collins is now a clerk in Newport, on a small salary, with which
+he is very much discontented, and from time to time asks a loan of his
+old schoolfellow, Mark, to whom he is now compelled to look up. He has
+developed extravagant tastes, and is always in debt. I greatly fear that
+neither his habits nor his fortunes will improve as he grows older. For
+our hero, Mark, and those who belong to him, we may anticipate brighter
+days and greater prosperity, as a fitting recompense of industry and
+good habits.
+
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers,
+52-58 Duane Street, New York
+
+                             --------------
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+
+=Joe's Luck=: A Boy's Adventures in California. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing
+situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and
+the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike
+Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is
+certainly one of his best.
+
+=Tom the Bootblack=; or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
+himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.
+Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad.
+The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a
+comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.
+
+=Dan the Newsboy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of
+New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the
+Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house
+where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little
+heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities that
+she adopts him as her heir.
+
+=Tony the Hero=: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By HORATIO ALGER,
+JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and
+gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large
+estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him down a
+deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him, and by
+a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is prosperous. A
+very entertaining book.
+
+=The Errand Boy=; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart
+country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named
+Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent
+troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the situation of
+errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.
+
+=Tom Temple's Career.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village to
+seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to
+California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that
+the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have
+been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style.
+
+=Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+situation as a cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter helps
+the lad to gain success and fortune.
+
+=Tom Thatcher's Fortune.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts
+overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is
+told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so
+many homes.
+
+=The Train Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother and
+sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is
+well started on the road to business prominence.
+
+=Mark Mason's Victory.= The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By
+HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many
+difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who
+regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.
+
+=A Debt of Honor.= The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West.
+By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and
+disappointments which he passed through before he attained success, will
+interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful
+author.
+
+=Ben Bruce.= Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By HORATIO ALGER,
+JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success,
+are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's
+most fascinating style.
+
+=The Castaways=; or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen
+leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the
+coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through
+her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the
+leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the
+cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr.
+Otis is a prime favorite.
+
+=Wrecked on Spider Island=; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a
+livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers
+a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount of
+treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the voyage
+serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious
+boy could desire.
+
+=The Search for the Silver City=: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day
+Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and
+then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the
+wonderful Sliver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the help
+of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images from
+the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape is
+effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting
+incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and
+realism of the narrative.
+
+=A Runaway Brig=; or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering
+sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with
+Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob
+Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document which
+enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on an island
+and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be
+fascinated with this entertaining story.
+
+=The Treasure Finders=: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By JAMES OTIS.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
+indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The
+Treasure Finders."
+
+=Jack, the Hunchback.= A Story of the Coast of Maine. By JAMES OTIS.
+Price $1.00.
+
+This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elisabeth, on
+the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. From
+first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us
+along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses
+its force.
+
+=With Washington at Monmouth=: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price
+$1.50.
+
+Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and
+frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British occupied
+the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully
+drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given shown
+that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable study.
+The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis'
+works.
+
+=With Lafayette at Yorktown=: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the
+Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges,
+illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+Two lads from Portmouth, N. H. attempt to enlist in the Colonial Army,
+and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful
+excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with,
+and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and Ned
+Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain in his
+memory long after that which he has memorized from text books has been
+forgotten.
+
+=At the Siege of Havana.= Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving
+under Israel Putnam in 1762. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth,
+olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's history
+when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the assistance
+given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. Israel Putnam.
+
+The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas Vallet.
+Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily, in the
+tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on
+historical facts.
+
+=The Defense of Fort Henry.= A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who
+founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The
+recital of what Elisabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can
+be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and his
+gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice of
+blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers.
+
+=The Capture of the Laughing Mary.= A Story of Three New York Boys in
+1776. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.
+
+"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's
+person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They do
+some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an American
+navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis'
+books are too well-known to require any particular commendation to the
+young."—Evening Post.
+
+=With Warren at Bunker Hill.= A Story of the Siege of Boston. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after the
+doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life in
+Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, shows
+Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle of
+Bunker Hill and closes with the raising of the siege. The three heroes,
+George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of
+a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will like to
+read."—Detroit Free Press.
+
+=With the Swamp Fox.= The Story of General Marion's Spies. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, Illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the
+Carolinas. General Marlon's arrival to take command of these brave men
+and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although
+the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever present
+in the mind of the reader.
+
+=On the Kentucky Frontier.= A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the
+West. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than that
+of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers-men.
+Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the arrival of
+Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was captured. He
+relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which is not usually
+touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. This is one of
+the most entertaining books for young people which has been published.
+
+=Sarah Dillard's Ride.= A Story of South Carolina in 1780. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail
+of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's
+troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story,
+which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these
+adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out
+as an incident of the plot."—Boston Journal.
+
+=A Tory Plot.= A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of the
+plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or murder
+Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and are
+commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter. They
+do so, and meet with many adventures and hair-breadth escapes. The boys
+are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to put
+into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one phase
+of the Revolution."—Pittsburgh Times.
+
+=A Traitor's Escape.= A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold.
+By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, bringing
+clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early settlers In this
+country. In an historical work dealing with this country's past, no plot
+can hold the attention closer than this one, which describes the attempt
+and partial success of Benedict Arnold's escape to New York, where he
+remained as the guest of Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually
+figured In the arrest of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are
+included as characters."—Albany Union.
+
+=A Cruise with Paul Jones.= A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life when
+he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to
+strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent
+upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous
+battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was
+taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular cruise
+was begun."—Chicago Inter-Ocean.
+
+=Corporal Lige's Recruit.= A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an
+old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and
+who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad
+acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the
+continental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative,
+which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point,
+Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names
+appear in this dramatic tale."—Boston Globe.
+
+=Morgan, the Jersey Spy.= A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"The two lads who are utilised by the author to emphasise the details of
+the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived on the
+banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his dangerous
+occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown, are
+suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks his life to
+save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a squad of red
+coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of friends and foes,
+told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one of the most
+entertaining books of the year."—Inter-Ocean.
+
+=The Young Scout=: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By EDWARD S.
+ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a
+tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid.
+The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.
+Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate
+chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly escapes
+with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian
+stories now before the public.
+
+=Adrift in the Wilds=: The Adventures of Two Ship-wrecked Boys. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off
+the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the
+shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated
+from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards
+rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.
+
+=A Young Hero=; or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from the
+Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple-minded ladies. Fred Sheldon,
+the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them
+arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in
+discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The story is told
+in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read
+this delightful book.
+
+=Lost in the Rockies.= A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is plied upon adventure, and
+at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures
+in the Rockies and among the Indians.
+
+=A Jaunt Through Java=: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain.
+By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two
+cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of
+Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal
+Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met
+with. It is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.
+
+=The Boy Patriot.= A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid
+description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this
+story."—Journal of Education.
+
+=A Yankee Lad's Pluck.= How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's Ranch in
+Porto Rico. By WM. P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and
+is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst the
+story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This will, we
+think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season."—Gazette.
+
+=A Brave Defense.= A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By
+WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during the
+Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn., in
+1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls,
+either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on
+the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey
+Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave
+comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be learning something
+more than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity,
+of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable
+in the arena of life.
+
+=The Young Minuteman.= A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in
+1777. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British
+occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William
+Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one,
+dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling
+adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will
+find not only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his
+own patriotism and love of country are deepened.
+
+=For the Temple=: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.
+
+"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance to
+Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the
+world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."—Graphic.
+
+=Roy Gilbert's Search=: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. CHIPMAN.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges with
+two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam launch. The
+three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes. Afterwards the
+lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later
+on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly,
+self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest.
+
+=The Slate Picker=: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By
+HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben
+Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he
+advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a book
+of extreme interest to every boy reader.
+
+=The Boy Cruisers=; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. GEORGE RATHBORNE.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf
+coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with a
+pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in the
+Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and Andrew gets
+into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr. Rathborne knows just
+how to interest the boys, and lads who are in search of a rare treat
+will do well to read this entertaining story.
+
+=Captured by Zulus=: A Story of Trapping in Africa. By HARRY PRENTICE.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The lads
+escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night. They
+are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice tells
+exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native
+stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.
+
+=Tom the Ready=; or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
+ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and
+the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a
+purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.
+
+=Captain Kidd's Gold=: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea of
+buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese
+and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There were
+many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Paul
+Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable treasure
+buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this hook is an ambitious,
+persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to
+reach the Island and secure the money form one of the most absorbing
+tales for our youth that has come from the press.
+
+                             --------------
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, =A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York=.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+ ● Transcriber's Notes:
+    ○ Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected.
+    ○ Unbalanced quotation marks were silently corrected.
+    ○ Typographical errors were silently corrected.
+    ○ Spelling and hyphenation was made consistent when a predominant
+      form was found in this book; otherwise it was not changed.
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING’S MISSION ***
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will
+be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
+law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
+so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the
+United States without permission and without paying copyright
+royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
+of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
+concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
+and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following
+the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use
+of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for
+copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very
+easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation
+of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project
+Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may
+do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected
+by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark
+license, especially commercial redistribution.
+
+START: FULL LICENSE
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
+Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
+destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your
+possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
+Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
+by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the
+person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph
+1.E.8.
+
+1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this
+agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the
+Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
+of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual
+works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
+States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
+United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
+claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
+displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
+all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
+that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting
+free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm
+works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
+Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily
+comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
+same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when
+you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
+in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
+check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
+agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
+distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
+other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no
+representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
+country other than the United States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work
+on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+  This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+  most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
+  restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
+  under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this
+  eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the
+  United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where
+  you are located before using this eBook.
+
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is
+derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
+contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
+copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
+the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
+redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
+either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
+obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm
+trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
+additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
+beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
+any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
+to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format
+other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official
+version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website
+(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
+to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
+of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain
+Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the
+full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+provided that:
+
+* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+  the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+  you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+  to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has
+  agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+  within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+  legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+  payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+  Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+  Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+  you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+  does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+  License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+  copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+  all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm
+  works.
+
+* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+  any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+  electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+  receipt of the work.
+
+* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+  distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of
+the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
+forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
+Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
+contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
+or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
+other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
+cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
+with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
+with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
+lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
+or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
+opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
+the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
+without further opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO
+OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
+damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
+violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
+agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
+limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
+unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
+remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in
+accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
+production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
+including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
+the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
+or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or
+additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any
+Defect you cause.
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
+computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
+exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
+from people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future
+generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
+Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at
+www.gutenberg.org
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
+U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West,
+Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up
+to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website
+and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without
+widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
+state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
+donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be
+freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
+distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of
+volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
+the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
+necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
+edition.
+
+Most people start at our website which has the main PG search
+facility: www.gutenberg.org
+
+This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
diff --git a/old/55000-0.zip b/old/55000-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe3e012
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-0.zip
diff --git a/55000-h.zip b/old/55000-h.zip
index 30f6035..7fd4a7c 100644
--- a/55000-h.zip
+++ b/old/55000-h.zip
diff --git a/old/55000-h/55000-h.htm b/old/55000-h/55000-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9cc82f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/55000-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,10623 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+    <title>Mark Manning's Mission, by Horatio Alger, Jr.—A Project Gutenberg eBook</title>
+    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
+    <style type="text/css">
+       body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; }
+       h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; }
+       h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; }
+       p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; }
+       .sc { font-variant: small-caps; }
+       .large { font-size: large; }
+       .xlarge { font-size: x-large; }
+       .small { font-size: small; }
+       abbr { border-bottom-width: thin; border-bottom-style: dotted; }
+       .lg-container-b { text-align: center; }
+       .lg-container-r { text-align: right; }
+       .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; }
+       .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; }
+       .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; }
+       div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; }
+       ul.ul_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em;
+               margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: disc; }
+       ul.ul_2 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 6.94%; margin-top: .5em;
+               margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: circle; }
+       div.pbb { page-break-before: always; }
+       hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; }
+       .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; }
+       .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; }
+       div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; }
+       .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }
+       .id001 { width:500px; }
+       .id003 { width:70px; }
+       .ic002 { width:100%; }
+       .ig001 { width:100%; }
+       .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 7%; margin-right: 8%;
+               width: 85%; }
+       .nf-center { text-align: center; }
+       .nf-center-c0 { text-align: left; margin: 0.5em 0; }
+       .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; }
+       .c000 { margin-top: 1em; }
+       .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 1em; }
+       .c002 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%;
+               margin-top: 1em; }
+       .c003 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%; }
+       .c004 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; margin-right: 10%;
+               margin-top: 2em; }
+       .c005 { margin-top: 4em; }
+       .c006 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 42%; width: 15%; margin-right: 43%; }
+       .c007 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; }
+       .c008 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%; width: 10%; margin-right: 45%;
+               margin-top: 2em; }
+       .c009 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; }
+       .c010 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; }
+       .c011 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 2em; }
+       .c012 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c013 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c014 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%; width: 10%; margin-right: 45%; }
+       .c015 { margin-left: 5.56%; font-size: 85%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em;
+               margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c016 { font-size: 85%; }
+       .c017 { font-size: 85%; text-align: right; }
+       .c018 { margin-left: 11.11%; font-size: 85%; }
+       .c019 { margin-left: 11.11%; font-size: 85%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em;
+               margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c020 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em;
+               margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%; margin-right: 40%; }
+       .c021 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       .c022 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }
+       body {width:80%; max-width:45em; margin:auto; }
+    </style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+
+<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Mark Manning’s Mission, by Horatio Alger Jr.</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
+are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
+country where you are located before using this eBook.
+</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Mark Manning’s Mission<br />
+  The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Horatio Alger Jr.</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: J. (John) Watson Davis</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: June 28, 2017 [eBook #55000]<br />
+[Most recently updated: May 9, 2022]</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team</div>
+<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING’S MISSION ***</div>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars left," said the hermit, as he counted the pieces of gold.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div>
+  <h1 class='c001'>MARK MANNING'S MISSION</h1>
+</div>
+<hr class='c002' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div><span class='large'>The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c003' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div>By HORATIO ALGER, <span class='sc'>Jr.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div><span class='small'>Author of "Mark Mason's Victory," "Ben Bruce,"</span></div>
+    <div><span class='small'>"Bernard Brook's Adventures," "A Debt of Honor,"</span></div>
+    <div><span class='small'>etc., etc.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id003'>
+<img src='images/publogo.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div class='c000'><span class='small'>With Five Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c004' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div>A. L. BURT COMPANY,</div>
+    <div>PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+<div class='nf-center c005'>
+    <div><span class='small'>COPYRIGHT 1905</span></div>
+    <div><span class='sc'>By</span> A. L. BURT COMPANY</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c006' />
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+  <div class='nf-center'>
+    <div>MARK MANNING'S MISSION</div>
+    <div>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c005' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 class='c007'>CONTENTS</h2>
+</div>
+<hr class='c008' />
+<table class='table0' summary=''>
+<colgroup>
+<col width='13%' />
+<col width='86%' />
+</colgroup>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><span class='small'>CHAPTER</span></td>
+    <td class='c010'>&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='1'>I</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch01'>Three Young Hunters</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='2'>II</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch02'>The Hermit's Cabin</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='3'>III</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch03'>A Timely Rescue</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='4'>IV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch04'>The Hermit Explains</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='5'>V</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch05'>Lyman Taylor Makes a New Acquaintance</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='6'>VI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch06'>A Tragedy in the Pasture</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='7'>VII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch07'>Mark at Home</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='8'>VIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch08'>Deacon Miller Gets a Clue</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='9'>IX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch09'>The Deacon's Mission</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='10'>X</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch10'>Mark Protects a Friend</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='11'>XI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch11'>Mark is Discharged</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='12'>XII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch12'>Good Luck After Misfortune</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='13'>XIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch13'>The Little Man in Black</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='14'>XIV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch14'>An Important Proposal</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='15'>XV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch15'>The Hermit's Bank</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='16'>XVI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch16'>Lyman Taylor Gains some Information</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='17'>XVII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch17'>On the Trail of Gold</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='18'>XVIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch18'>Lyman's Disappointment</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='19'>XIX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch19'>The Hermit Receives a Call</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='20'>XX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch20'>How Lyman Succeeded</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='21'>XXI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch21'>All Aboard for New York</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='22'>XXII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch22'>In an Office on Broadway</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='23'>XXIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch23'>Mark's Mission</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='24'>XXIV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch24'>What Mark Discovered</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='25'>XXV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch25'>The Little Match Boy</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='26'>XXVI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch26'>Luck Favors Lyman</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='27'>XXVII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch27'>Old Peggy</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='28'>XXVIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch28'>Lyman's Plan</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='29'>XXIX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch29'>Mark Receives a Telegram</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='30'>XXX</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch30'>Mark Makes Arrangements with Jack</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='31'>XXXI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch31'>Jack Talks in his Sleep</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='32'>XXXII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch32'>Jack is Pursued</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='33'>XXXIII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch33'>Mark Eludes his Pursuers</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='34'>XXXIV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch34'>Mrs. Manning's House is Sold</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='35'>XXXV</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch35'>Notice to Quit</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='36'>XXXVI</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch36'>The Hermit Secures a House</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class='c009'><abbr title='37'>XXXVII</abbr>.</td>
+    <td class='c010'><a href='#ch37'>Conclusion</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c1'>
+<div class='nf-center c005'>
+    <div><span class='xlarge'>MARK MANNING'S MISSION.</span></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='c006' />
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch01' class='c011'>CHAPTER I. <br /> THREE YOUNG HUNTERS.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Two</span> boys, with guns on their shoulders, were
+crossing a meadow towards the Pecasset woods.
+These were situated about a mile from the village,
+and were quite extensive. The two boys were
+James Collins and Tom Wyman, the first, the son
+of a large shoe manufacturer, the other the son
+of the village postmaster. They were about of a
+size, and had the appearance of being sixteen
+years of age. They were very intimate, the
+second being a satellite of the first, who in right
+of his father's wealth considered himself the first
+boy in Pecasset. Tom flattered his vanity by
+acknowledging his pretensions, and this gave him
+his position of favorite with the young aristocrat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should like to be a hunter," said Tom, as
+they walked along.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A fine hunter you'd be," said James, in a tone
+by no means complimentary, for he didn't feel
+it necessary to flatter his humble companion.
+"You never hit anything, you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, James, that's a little too strong," said
+Tom, in a tone of annoyance. "I don't pretend
+to be as good a shot as you are, but still I have
+hit a bird before now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When it was perched on a fence, eh?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, on the wing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who saw you do it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I was alone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I thought," said James, laughing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I did it, really. Of course I can't shoot as
+well as you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think there is a boy in the village can
+come up to me in that line," said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course not; though Mark Manning isn't a
+bad shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning! He's one of the peggers in
+my father's shop, isn't he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Son of the poor widow that lives near the
+schoolhouse?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can he know of gunning? He had
+better stick to the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't say he was equal to you," said
+Tom apologetically, "but I have seen him shoot
+well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has he a gun of his own?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, but he often gets the loan of Farmer
+Jones's."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose he could hit a barn door if he were
+within fifty feet of it," said James, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom was silent. It was not the first time he
+had noticed how distasteful to James was praise of
+any other boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At this moment, from another direction came
+a third boy, of about the same size and age as the
+two already introduced. He also had a gun on his
+shoulder. He had on a well-worn suit of mixed
+cloth, which had been darned in one or two places.
+His face was open and attractive, his form was
+well-knit and muscular, and he was evidently in
+vigorous health.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom Wyman was the first to notice the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Talk of the—old Harry," he said, "and he
+is sure to appear."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean?" asked James, who had
+not yet espied the new arrival.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's Mark Manning coming towards
+us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James condescended to turn his glance in Marks'
+direction.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What brings him here, I wonder?" he said,
+with a curl of the lip.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The same errand that brings us, I should
+judge, from the gun on his shoulder," answered
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>By this time Mark was within calling distance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo, boys!" he said. "Have you shot anything
+yet?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No," answered Tom. "Have you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I have only just come."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why are you not in the shop?" demanded
+James, with the air of a young lord.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because we work only half-time to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you were glad of the holiday?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I would rather have worked. Half-work,
+half-pay, you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose that's quite an important consideration
+for a—a working boy like you," drawled
+James, with an air of patronage.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark surveyed James, with a quizzical smile, for
+he had a genuine boy's disdain for affectation, and
+James was a very good specimen of a self-conceited
+dude, though the latter term had not yet come
+into use.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said, after a slight pause, "it is a
+consideration—to a working boy like me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much now does my father pay you?"
+inquired James, with gracious condescension.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seventy-five cents a day—that's the average."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very fair pay! I suppose you take it home
+to your mother?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She's—ah—very poor, I hear."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark began to find his patronage on the whole
+rather oppressive. He had a sturdy independence
+of feeling that grew restive under the young
+patrician's condescension.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We are poor," he answered, "but we have
+enough to eat, and to wear, and a roof to cover
+us—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly. You are indebted to my father for
+that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see how."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Doesn't he employ you and pay you wages?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, but don't I earn my wages by good
+work?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Really, my good fellow, I can't say. I presume
+you do passably well, or he wouldn't keep
+you in his employ."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it seems to me we are even on that
+score. However, I didn't come here to talk about
+myself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Here there was a sudden diversion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look, James! See that bird!" exclaimed
+Tom, in excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The other two boys looked in the direction indicated,
+and saw a hawk flying swiftly, perhaps
+two hundred feet above them. The three simultaneously
+raised their guns, and Tom and James
+fired. But Mark, upon second thought reserved
+his fire, in order to give his two companions a
+chance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Their guns were discharged, but in vain. The
+bird flew on, apparently unconcerned, considerably
+to their disappointment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now it is my turn!" reflected Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger;
+the effect was soon seen. The bird fluttered
+its wings, then dropped quickly through the air.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By Jove, Mark's hit him!" exclaimed Tom in
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James frowned in evident displeasure.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, he was lucky!" he said significantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had run forward to pick up the bird.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I told you Mark was a good shot!" said Tom,
+who had not so much vanity to wound as James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you think him a better shot than
+I, because he hit the bird and I didn't?" said
+James, reddening.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't say that!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I tell you it was pure luck. I've heard of a
+man who shut his eyes when he fired, but he succeeded
+when all his companions failed. You
+can't judge of one by a single shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Here Mark came up with his trophy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I congratulate you on your success," said
+James, unpleasantly. "I suppose this is the first
+bird you ever shot?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, no!" answered Mark smilingly. "I
+have shot a few before now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A fly lit on my nose just when I was pulling
+the trigger, or I should have brought him down."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That was lucky for me," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, Tom," said James, drawing his companion
+away to the left. "We'd better separate,
+or we shall all be shooting at the same object."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good luck to you then!" said Mark, as the
+two left him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thanks!" said Tom, but James deigned no
+notice of Mark's civility.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch02' class='c007'>CHAPTER II. <br /> THE HERMIT'S CABIN.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> smiled to himself as the boys left him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James doesn't care to associate with us working
+boys," he thought. "Well, I fancy he cares
+as much for my company as I do for his."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was thoroughly independent and self-reliant,
+and had no disposition to trouble himself
+because a particular boy didn't care to associate
+with him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was not self-conceited, but he respected
+himself, and never would have been willing, like
+Tom Wyman, to play the part of an humble
+satellite to the son of a wealthy shoe manufacturer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He reached the edge of the woods, and plunged
+into their shaded recesses. Here and there were
+paths more or less worn. One of these he took.
+It was a considerable time before he found anything
+to shoot at. Finally he fired at a squirrel,
+but the active little animal eluded him, and made
+his way to some covert, whence possibly he
+peeped out with twinkling eyes at his enemy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Farther on he reached a small clearing, in the
+center of which rose an humble log dwelling, of
+the most primitive description.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark regarded it with curiosity, for, though it
+was no new object to him, he knew that it was
+occupied by a man who for five years had baffled
+the curiosity of the neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Now and then he was seen in the village,
+whither he went to procure supplies of food and
+other necessaries. A striking figure he was, with
+his long flowing sandy beard, thickly flecked with
+gray hairs, high forehead, and long, circular
+cloak wrapped around his tall, spare form.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On his head he wore a Spanish sombrero, and
+his appearance in the streets never failed to attract
+the curious eyes of the children.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Once some rude boys followed him with jeers,
+but were never tempted to repeat the rudeness.
+With his long staff upraised, he gave chase to
+them, looking so terrible that they were panic-stricken,
+and with pale faces, scattered in all
+directions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>While Mark was standing near the hermit's
+cabin, he thought he heard a smothered groan
+proceeding from within.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can be the matter," he thought, "can
+old Anthony be sick?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was the name, correct or not, by which
+the hermit was known in the village.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He paused a moment in indecision, but on hearing
+the groan repeated, he overcame his scruples,
+and pushing open the door, which stood ajar, he
+entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On a pallet, at one corner of the main room,
+lay the old man, with his limbs drawn up, as if
+in pain. His back was towards the door.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is there?" he asked, as he heard the
+door open.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A friend," answered Mark. "Are you
+sick?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have a severe attack of rheumatism," answered
+the old man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you have no one to take care of you?"
+said Mark, pityingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I have no friends," answered the old
+man, in a tone half sad, half bitter. "Come
+round to the foot of the bed; let me look at you,"
+he added, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark complied with his request.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony regarded him attentively, and
+said, half to himself, "a good face! a face to be
+trusted!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so," said Mark, with a feeling of pleasure.
+"Can I do anything for you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are willing to help old Anthony? You
+see I know what they call me in the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. I shall be willing and glad to do anything
+for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are a good boy. What is your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know who you are. Your mother is a
+widow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We have little money, but we have never
+wanted for food."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You work for your mother?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I am employed in the shoe factory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A good son will make a good man. You will
+never repent what you are doing for your mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I am sure I shall not," returned Mark,
+warmly. "I ought not, for she has done everything
+for me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What brings you here?" asked the old man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I had a spare afternoon, and came out gunning.
+I was wandering about these woods and
+happened to come this way. How long have you
+been sick?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For several days; but I was able to be about
+till yesterday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you taken no medicine?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No. I thought I might do without it; but I
+find I am mistaken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall I call the doctor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; my disease is of old standing, and I know
+what to do for it. If you are willing to go to the
+drug store for me you may take the bottle on
+yonder shelf and get it filled. The druggist will
+understand what is wanted. You may also get
+me a box of rheumatic pills."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I will go at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You will want money. Look in the box on
+yonder shelf, and select a gold piece. Pay for
+the articles and bring back the change."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark went to the shelf, and in a square wooden
+box found a collection of gold and silver coins
+from which he selected a five-dollar gold piece.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have taken five dollars," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you not afraid to leave this money so exposed
+while you are sick and helpless?" Mark
+ventured to inquire.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no visitors," answered old Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But you might have. Some tramp——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is true. Perhaps it would be well to
+provide for that contingency. Will you take it
+all, and take care of it for me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark regarded the old man with surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What—take it away with me?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. I shall have to employ you as my man
+of business till I get better. I will speak with
+you about it further when you return with the
+medicines."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know how much there is here?"
+asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; you may count it, if you like."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark did so and announced as the result of his
+count, "Twenty-nine dollars and thirty cents."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well! You may keep an account of
+what you expend for me," said the old man, indifferently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He seems to put a good deal of confidence in
+me," Mark reflected, with some satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is there nothing else you want in the village?"
+Mark asked, as he prepared to go.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may bring me a loaf of fresh bread and
+a quart of milk, if it will not be too much trouble.
+You will find a tin measure for the milk on the
+shelf."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here it is, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you would like something nourishing—some
+meat, for instance—I can get my mother to
+cook you some," continued Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not to-day. Another day I may avail myself
+of your kind offer. You are very kind—to a poor
+recluse."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid you don't pass a very pleasant
+life," said Mark. "I should be miserable if I
+lived alone in the woods, like you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No doubt, no doubt. You are young and
+life opens before you bright and cheerful. As for
+me, I have lived my life. For me no prospect
+opens but the grave. Why, indeed, should I
+seek to prolong this miserable life?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark hardly knew how to answer him. He
+could not enter into the old man's morbid feelings.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will be back soon," he said as he left the
+cabin.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch03' class='c007'>CHAPTER III. <br /> A TIMELY RESCUE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark Manning</span> left the cabin and made his
+way as quickly as possible to the edge of the
+wood. He hadn't got over his wonder at the
+hermit's commission and singular confidence in
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems strange," he said to himself, "to
+have so much money in my pocket. Nearly
+thirty dollars! I wonder whether I shall ever
+have as much of my own?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In truth, thirty dollars seemed a much larger
+sum to our hero, brought up in a hand to hand
+struggle with poverty, than it would have appeared
+if he had been ten years older.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He must have more money," thought Mark,
+"or he would not care so little for this sum as to
+trust it all to me. How does he know that I
+will prove honest?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Nevertheless it was a satisfaction to Mark to
+reflect that old Anthony was justified in his confidence.
+Had the sum been ten times as large, he
+would not have been tempted to retain any of it
+for his own use.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He kept on his way to the drug store, and
+asked for the medicines already referred to.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is your mother sick?" asked the druggist,
+who was very well acquainted with Mark and his
+family.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, then it is you who are rheumatic," said
+the druggist jokingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wrong again," answered Mark. "I am
+buying the medicines for old Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then he is sick? That accounts for his not
+having appeared in the village for several days."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Thereupon Mark described his chance visit to
+the cabin, and the condition in which he had
+found the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"These remedies will do him good," said the
+druggist, "if he is otherwise kept comfortable.
+A strange man is old Anthony!" he continued
+musingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark produced a gold piece, from which he requested
+the druggist to take pay for the articles
+purchased.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did the hermit give you this?" asked the
+druggist.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark answered in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it is evident he is not without means.
+However, I might have known that. During the
+years that he has lived in the wood, he has
+always been prompt in his payments for all articles
+purchased in the village. His expenditures are
+small, to be sure, but in five years they have
+amounted to considerable."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What could have induced him to settle in
+such a lonely spot?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is more than any one hereabouts can
+tell. He is very secretive, and never says anything
+about himself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>By this time Mark was ready to return. He
+went to the grocery store, where he obtained the
+milk and loaf of bread, which he had also been
+commissioned to procure. Then he set out for
+old Anthony's lonely cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Before doing so, he heard something from the
+grocer that aroused his curiosity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There was a man in here only twenty minutes
+since," said the storekeeper, "who was asking
+after Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was it a stranger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. It was a man I never saw before. He
+was a stout, broad-shouldered man with a bronzed
+face, who looked as if he might be a sailor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he say who he was?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only that Anthony was a relation of his, and
+that he had not seen him for years."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he say he meant to call upon him?" asked
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He did not say so, but as he inquired particularly
+for the location of the cabin, I took it for
+granted that this was his intention."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then probably I shall see him, as I am going
+directly back to the wood."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He will probably be there unless he loses his
+way."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Leaving Mark to return by the same way he
+came, we will precede him, and make acquaintance
+with the man who had excited the grocer's
+curiosity by inquiring for the old hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony lay on his pallet waiting for the
+return of Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I like the boy," he said to himself. "He has
+an honest face. He looks manly and straightforward.
+He has never joined the other village boys
+in jeering. If my nephew had been like him he
+might have been a comfort to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The old man sighed. What thoughts passed
+through his mind were known only to him; but
+that they were sad ones seemed clear from the
+expression of his face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Time passed as he lay quiet. Then he heard a
+noise at the door and the step of one entering the
+cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is that you, Mark?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There was a pause. Then a harsh voice answered:
+"No; it isn't Mark, whoever he may
+be. It is some one who ought to be nearer to you
+than he."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony started in evident excitement, and
+by an effort managed to turn round his head so
+as to see the intruder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>His eyes rested on a man rather above the
+middle height, shabbily clad, with a dark face
+and threatening expression.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Lyman Taylor!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Lyman Taylor," returned the other,
+mockingly. "Are you glad to see your nephew?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Heaven knows I am not!" said old Anthony
+bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I judged from your expression. Yet they
+say blood is thicker than water."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That there is any tie of blood between us I
+regret deeply. A man more utterly unworthy I
+have never known."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, Uncle Anthony, isn't that a little
+strong. I am no angel——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are a worthless scoundrel," said the
+hermit bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, old man," said his nephew fiercely,
+"I didn't come here to be insulted and called bad
+names. Considering that you are alone and in
+my power, it is a little impertinent in you to talk
+in that way. I might kill you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are quite capable of it," said Anthony.
+"Do so, if you choose. Life is not a possession
+that I greatly prize."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have a great mind to take you at your
+word," said Taylor coolly, "but it wouldn't suit
+my purpose. Your death would do me no good
+unless you have made me your heir. I am desperately
+in need of money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Work for it, then!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you! You are very kind; but employers
+are rather shy of me. I have no recommendations
+to offer. I don't mind telling you
+that I have spent the last four years in prison."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A very suitable place for you," said the old
+man in a caustic tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you again! You are complimentary."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This is the reason why you have not found
+me out before?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Precisely. You don't suppose I would otherwise
+have kept away from you so long, my most
+affectionate uncle!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you recall the circumstances of our last
+parting? I awoke in California to find myself
+robbed of the large sum of money I had with me.
+Of course, you took it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't mind owning that I did. But I
+haven't a cent of it left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That I can easily believe. Why have you
+sought me out?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I want more money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I supposed. You can judge from my way
+of living whether I am likely to have any for
+you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't appear to be living in luxury.
+However, it costs something to keep body and
+soul together even in this den. Of course, you
+have some money. However little it is, I want
+it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you will be disappointed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where do you keep your money?" demanded
+Lyman Taylor, roughly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Even if I had any. I wouldn't tell you!"
+said the brave old man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, old man, no trifling! Either you
+will find some money for me, or I will choke
+you!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He got down on one knee and stooped menacingly
+over the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At that moment Mark Manning, who had returned
+from his errand, reached the doorway,
+and stood a surprised and indignant witness of
+this exciting scene.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony struggled, but ineffectually in
+the grasp of the ruffian who had attacked him.
+Even if he had not been disabled by disease he
+would not have been a match for Lyman Taylor,
+who was at least twenty-five years younger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't touch me, you scoundrel!" said Anthony,
+whose spirit exceeded his bodily strength.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then tell me where you keep your money!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That I will not do!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I'll see if I can't find a way to make
+you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>As he spoke the young man grabbed the hermit
+by the throat. He concluded too hastily
+that old Anthony was in his power. He was destined
+to a surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let the old man alone!" cried Mark, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor looked up in surprise and some
+alarm. But when he saw that the words proceeded
+from a boy, he laughed derisively.</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p022.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>Mark dropped his bundles, and taking the musket pointed it<br />at the ruffian, saying: "Let go, or I will shoot."</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mind your own business, you young bantam,
+or I'll wring your neck!" he said contemptuously.
+"Now, let me know where you keep your money,"
+he said, turning once more to the old man, and
+preparing to choke him into an avowal of his
+secret.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let go, instantly, or I will shoot!" exclaimed
+Mark, now thoroughly aroused.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Once more the ruffian turned, and this time
+his countenance changed, for Mark, boyish but
+resolute, had dropped his bundles, and had the
+musket pointed directly at him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Taylor rose to his feet suddenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take care, there!" he said, nervously. "Put
+down that gun!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then leave old Anthony alone!" returned
+Mark, resolutely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you my uncle's guardian?" demanded
+Lyman, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he is your uncle, the more shame to you
+to treat him brutally!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't come here to be lectured by a boy,"
+said Taylor, angrily. "Put down that gun!"</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch04' class='c007'>CHAPTER IV. <br /> THE HERMIT EXPLAINS.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> did not obey directly, but turning to the
+hermit said, "Do you want this man to leave the
+cabin?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the old man, "but beware of
+him! He is all that is bad!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A pretty recommendation to come from your
+uncle," said Taylor, sullenly. "Uncle Anthony,
+I ask you once more to give me money. I am
+penniless, and am a desperate man."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is no money in this cabin, and you
+would search for it in vain, but if you will promise
+to leave this place and trouble me no more, I
+will provide you with five dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are five dollars?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All that you will get. Do you make the
+promise?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, yes—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark, you may give this man five dollars on
+my account."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is he your treasurer!" inquired Taylor, in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has charge of some funds out of which he
+buys me what I need."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much money have you got of my uncle's,
+boy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care to answer the question. Ask
+your uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A small sum only. It won't be worth your
+while, Lyman, to plot for its possession."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you no other money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"None that you are likely to get hold of.
+I will save you the trouble of searching the cabin,
+or prowling round it, by repeating that I have
+no money concealed here. You know me well
+enough to know that I am not deceiving you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor listened in sullen disappointment.
+He did know that his uncle's word could
+be relied upon implicitly, and that the hopes which
+he had built up of securing a large fund from the
+uncle he had once robbed, were not destined to be
+realized.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems you are a pauper, then," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have not been compelled to ask for charity
+yet," answered Anthony. "I live here for next
+to nothing, and have not suffered yet for the
+necessities of life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor looked around him contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must have a sweet time living here," he
+said, "in this lonely old cabin."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would not exchange it for the place in which
+you confess that you have passed the last four
+years."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Taylor frowned, but did not otherwise notice
+the old man's retort.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give me the five dollars, boy," he said, "and
+I will go. It seems I am wasting time here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark drew a gold piece from his pocket and
+passed it to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you many more of these?" he demanded,
+his eyes gleaming with cupidity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give me another."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They are not mine to give."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not another one, Mark," said Anthony.
+"He does not deserve even that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Make way, then, and I will go," said the
+nephew, convinced that he had no more to expect.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark moved aside, and he strode out of the
+cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good-bye, Uncle Anthony," he said. "You
+haven't treated me very generously, considering
+how long it is since you did anything for me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you utterly shameless, Lyman?" said
+the hermit. "I hope never to set eyes on you
+again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, you are very kind. Boy, what
+is your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, Mark, as you appear to be in charge of
+my uncle, I shall be glad to have you write me if
+anything happens to him. As his nearest relative
+and heir, I ought to be notified."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark looked to the hermit for directions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give him your address, Lyman," said Anthony.
+"If there is any news to interest you,
+he shall write. But don't calculate on my speedy
+death. It is hardly likely to benefit you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I may want to visit your grave, uncle," said
+Lyman, jeeringly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give him an address where a letter will
+reach you then."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No. —— Third Avenue, New York," said
+Taylor. "Write soon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He left the cabin, and old Anthony and Mark
+were alone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is my nearest relative," said the old man,
+"and a relative to be proud of, eh, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Years since we were in California together,
+I had two thousand dollars in gold dust under
+my pillow. My nephew was my companion, but
+none of the gold belonged to him. I woke one
+morning to find my nephew gone, and my gold
+also. From that time I have not set eyes on him
+till to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was a shabby trick," said Mark, warmly.
+"Were you left destitute?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So far as money went, yes. But I was the
+owner of a claim which my nephew thought exhausted.
+I resumed work on it, and three days
+later made a valuable find. Within a month I
+took out ten thousand dollars, and sold it for five
+thousand more."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your nephew does not know this, does he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; if he had, I should not have got rid of
+him so easily. But I have not told you all. I
+remained in California a year longer, and left it
+worth forty thousand dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then why—excuse me for asking—have you
+come to this poor cabin to live?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I had one other relative than Lyman, a
+daughter—I left her at a boarding-school in Connecticut.
+I returned to find that she had married
+an adventurer a month previous. Two years
+later I heard of her death. Life had lost its
+charm for me. I would not deprive myself of
+it, but in a fit of misanthropy I buried myself
+here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony seemed weary, and Mark questioned
+him no more, but set before him the milk
+and loaf which he had brought with him.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch05' class='c007'>CHAPTER V. <br /> LYMAN TAYLOR MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>On</span> leaving the cabin Mark promised to call
+again the next afternoon, bringing from the village
+such articles as Anthony might require.
+This he could readily do as the shoe manufactory
+was not running full time.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will see that you are paid for your trouble,"
+said the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That will be all right," said Mark, cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am able to pay you, and will employ you
+only on that condition," persisted Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall not object to that part of the bargain,"
+said Mark, smiling. "Money never comes amiss
+to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have plenty of money, though I would not
+admit it to my nephew," continued the sick man.
+"He would persecute me till I bought him off.
+Fortunately he thinks I am poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But," said Mark, "suppose he should come
+back. Would not your money be in danger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He would find none here. I do not keep any
+in this cabin. I did have some, but it is in your
+hands."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall I not return it to you, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I prefer that you should keep it. You
+will be using money for me daily, and for the
+present you shall be my treasurer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am very much obliged to you for reposing
+so much confidence in me," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I trust you entirely. You have an honest
+face."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir. I will endeavor to deserve
+your confidence."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was past four o'clock when Mark left the
+cabin and started on his way homeward. He
+walked along thoughtfully, carrying his gun
+over his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems I have a near friend," he reflected;
+"and one who may be of service to me. Now
+that the shop is no longer running full time, it
+will be convenient to earn a little extra money,
+old Anthony must be rich, judging from what he
+said about his success in California."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark could not help wondering where the hermit
+kept his money. But for Anthony's positive
+assurance, he would have conjectured that he
+kept it somewhere concealed about the cabin,
+but that being left out of the question he was
+at a loss to fix upon any probable place of
+deposit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Leaving Mark for a brief time; we go back to
+the other two young hunters, from whom he had
+separated two hours before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't like that boy," said James Collins.
+"He puts on too many airs for a poor boy. I
+suppose he will be crowing over his successful
+shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very likely," chimed in his companion, who
+made it a point to flatter James by agreeing with
+everything he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was only a lucky accident," continued
+James. "He couldn't do it again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course not. I don't think he is really as
+good a shot as you or I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You can hardly class yourself with me," said
+James egotistically. "However. I agree with
+you that he is inferior to you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quick, James!" said Tom Wyman. "There
+is a squirrel—shoot! I'll give you the first
+chance."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James pulled the trigger, but the squirrel was
+not destined to fall by his hands. He scampered
+away, looking back saucily at the baffled young
+hunter.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was ever anything more provoking?" asked
+James in evident chagrin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Later in the afternoon when the two boys were
+slowly strolling homewards, they saw a strange
+man issuing from the woods. It was Lyman
+Taylor, returned from his only partially successful
+visit to his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He waited till the boys came up.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good afternoon, young gentlemen," he said
+by way of greeting.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good afternoon," returned James stiffly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He doubted whether the newcomer was a man
+whom it was worth while to notice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What luck have you had? I see you have
+been out hunting."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We didn't shoot anything we thought worth
+bringing home," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I met another boy out with a gun. Perhaps
+he is a friend of yours."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James and Tom exchanged glances. They understood
+very well that Mark Manning was meant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I know the boy you met," said James.
+"It is a poor boy who works in my father's manufactory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is his name?" asked Lyman Taylor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he live in the village?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; his mother is a poor widow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did you meet him?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At a cabin in the woods."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony's?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; the hermit is an uncle of mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The two boys regarded the speaker with interest.
+All the villagers had some curiosity about the
+man who had settled so near them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is his name?" inquired Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You called him old Anthony," said Lyman,
+smiling. "That is his name."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But his other name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"His last name is Taylor, I have not seen him
+before for five years. Does he often come into
+the village?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About twice a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose he comes to buy food?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I suppose so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he appear to be provided with money?"
+asked Taylor with some eagerness.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I believe so," replied Tom. "He has
+sometimes come into our place—father is the postmaster—to
+get a gold piece changed. But I don't
+suppose he has much money. It doesn't cost him
+much to live."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he ever get any letters—as your father
+is postmaster, you can probably tell."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think so; my father has never mentioned
+it, and I think he would if any had been
+received."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What sort of a boy is this Mark Manning?"
+asked Taylor abruptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think much of him," answered James.
+"He is poor and proud. He is only a pegger in
+our shop, but he puts on airs with the best."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he is honest?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The two boys looked surprised; that question
+had never occurred to them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What makes you ask?" inquired James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only that he has in his possession a sum of
+money belonging to my uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he tell you so? did you see it?" were the
+questions quickly asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I met him at my uncle's cabin. My uncle
+owed me a small sum, and instead of paying me
+himself, he asked this boy to pay me. The boy
+took the money from his pocket, and handed it
+to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Both boys were surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't know he had anything to do with the
+hermit," said Tom. "Did you, James?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; but then I don't trouble myself about
+Mark Manning's affairs."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor regarded James shrewdly, he
+had no difficulty in detecting the boy's dislike towards
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Excuse my troubling you with questions,
+young gentlemen," he said. "My uncle is a
+simple-minded old man, and it would be easy to
+rob him, though I fancy he hasn't much money.
+This boy Mark appeared to me an artful young
+rogue, who might very probably cheat him out of
+the small sum he has."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never saw the two together," said Tom,
+musingly. "Old Anthony has generally paid his
+bills himself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is sick just now, and perhaps that accounts
+for it. The boy Mark has been making
+purchases for him in the village. However, I
+must leave the place, as important business calls
+me elsewhere. Since you," addressing Tom,
+"are the postmaster's son, may I ask a favor of
+you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If my uncle should die, can I trouble you to
+send me a note informing me, as I should feel
+called upon, as his only relative, to see that he
+was properly buried."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I will write you, if you will leave
+me your address."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor gave Tom the same address he
+had already given Mark. He then bade the boys
+good-bye, and walked on.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Uncle Anthony <i>may</i> have some money," he
+soliloquized, "and if he dies, I shall see if I can
+find it. I am pretty sure to hear through one of
+the boys."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch06' class='c007'>CHAPTER VI. <br /> A TRAGEDY IN THE PASTURE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>On</span> their way home the two boys had occasion
+to cross a pasture belonging to Deacon Miller, an
+old farmer whose house and barn were about a
+furlong distant on a rising ground.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They sauntered along in single file. James
+had a careless way of carrying his gun, which
+made some of the boys unwilling to accompany
+him, unless it was unloaded. Tom had two or
+three times cautioned him on this very afternoon,
+but James did not receive his remonstrance in
+good part.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't trouble yourself so much about my gun,
+Tom Wyman," he said. "I guess I know how
+to carry my gun as well as you do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't doubt that in the least, James, but
+you must admit that you handle it rather carelessly.
+Some of the boys don't like to go hunting
+with you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then they are cowards. I never shot any
+boy yet," answered James, with some heat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, but you might."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are making a great deal of fuss about
+nothing. I didn't think you were so timid."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know that I am particularly timid,
+but I shouldn't like to be riddled with shot," returned
+Tom, good-humoredly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you'd better get your life insured when
+you go out with me next," sneered James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know but I shall," said Tom, declining
+to take offense.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>For a very brief period James carried his gun
+more carefully. Then he forgot his caution, and
+in transferring his gun from one shoulder to the
+other somehow he touched the hammer, and the
+gun was discharged.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was most unfortunate, but when the gun
+went off it was pointed directly at a white-faced
+cow belonging to Deacon Miller.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The small shot penetrated both the poor animal's
+eyes, and with a moan of anguish the cow
+sank to the ground.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Both boys stared in dismay at the victim of
+carelessness.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There, you've gone and done it now, James,"
+said Tom. "You've shot Deacon Miller's cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see how I happened to do it," stammered
+James, really frightened.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I told you not to carry your gun so carelessly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You told me! Of course you want to get
+me into trouble about this!" exclaimed James,
+irritably.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then," said James, quickly, "don't say a
+word about it. We'll get home as soon as we can,
+and won't know anything about it. Mum's the
+word!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course I'll be mum, but it will be known
+that we have been out with guns this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So has Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James looked significantly at Tom, and Tom
+understood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Poor Mark was to bear the blame for a deed he
+didn't do, and all to screen James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's mean!" Tom said to himself, "but I
+can't go back on James. I want to keep in with
+him, and I suppose I must consent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" demanded James, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It won't come out through me," answered
+Tom, but not with alacrity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And if Mark is accused you won't say anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"N-o!" said Tom, slowly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then let us put for home!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James suited the action to the word, and the
+two boys hurried across the pasture, never venturing
+to look back at the suffering animal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Fifteen minutes later, when James and Tom
+were already at home, Mark Manning entered
+the narrow foot-path that led across the pasture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was immersed in thought, the hermit and
+his strange experience at the cabin being the subject
+of his reflections, when he heard a pitiful
+moaning, not far from him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Looking up he observed that it proceeded from
+old Whitey, as the deacon was accustomed to call
+his favorite cow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's the matter with you, old Whitey?"
+said Mark, who was always moved by distress,
+whether in man or beast.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Coming nearer, he was not long left in doubt.
+The nature of the injury which the poor cow had
+received was evident to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor old Whitey!" he said, pitifully. "Who
+has shot you in this cruel manner?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The sole answer was a moan of anguish from
+the stricken animal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid she will have to be killed!"
+thought Mark, sadly. "It is only torture for
+her to live with this injury, and of course there
+is no cure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was still standing beside the cow, gun in
+hand, when a harsh voice became audible.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Looking up, he saw the deacon but four rods
+distant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Deacon Miller was an old man, of giant form,
+and harsh, irregular features. He was a very
+unpopular man in the neighborhood, and deservedly
+so. He had made home so disagreeable
+that his only son had gone away fifteen years
+before, and the deacon had never heard from him
+since.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you been doin' to my cow?" he
+demanded, in a still harsher tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing, Deacon Miller," answered Mark,
+calmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't mean to tell me the critter's makin'
+all this fuss for nothin', do you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; the poor animal has been shot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has been what?" snarled the deacon.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shot! Shot in the face, and I am afraid its
+eyes are put out," replied Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Whitey shot in the eye," repeated the
+deacon, in a fury. "Then it's you that did
+it."</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p042.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>"What have you done to my cow, Mark Manning?" said the deacon, coming up to him.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are mistaken, sir," said Mark, with dignity.
+"I have just come up, and this is the condition
+in which I found Whitey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's that you are carryin' in your hand?"
+demanded the deacon, sternly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My gun."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you are willin' to tell the truth. I
+didn't know but you'd say it was a hoe," exploded
+the deacon in angry irony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your cow has received no injury from my
+gun, if that's what you're hinting at, Deacon
+Miller."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me take the gun!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In some surprise Mark put it into his hands.
+The deacon raised it, and pulled the trigger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>No report was heard. The gun was not loaded.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just what I thought," said the deacon, triumphantly.
+"If it had been loaded, I might
+have thought you told me the truth. Now I know
+as well as I want to that you shot my cow in the
+face with it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I assure you, Deacon Miller," said Mark, earnestly,
+beginning to comprehend the extent to
+which he was implicated, although innocent. "I
+assure you, Deacon Miller, that I have had nothing
+to do with harming poor Whitey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Anyway, I shall hold you responsible, and I
+reckon you'll have hard work to prove yourself
+innocent," said the deacon, grimly. "I ain't going
+to lose a forty-five dollar cow, and say nothin'
+about it. You jest tell your mother when
+you go home to see about raisin' forty-five dollars
+to make up old Whitey's loss. As she's a poor
+widder I'll give her thirty days to do it in. Do
+you hear?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Deacon Miller, I hear, but I repeat that
+I didn't harm your cow, and I shan't pay you a
+cent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We'll see!" was the only answer the deacon
+gave, nodding his head with emphasis.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Poor Mark! he had never felt so miserable, as
+he plodded slowly home. He was innocent, but
+circumstances were against him, and the deacon
+was implacable.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch07' class='c007'>CHAPTER VII. <br /> MARK AT HOME.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> home was a small cottage of a story
+and a half, surmounted by a sloping roof. It was
+plainly furnished, but looked comfortable. His
+mother was a pleasant looking woman of middle
+age, who managed well their scanty income, consisting
+chiefly of Mark's earnings.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you not later than usual, Mark?" she
+inquired.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, mother; I went out gunning, and did
+an errand for old Anthony, who is laid up with
+the rheumatism in his cabin."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor man! I hope he won't suffer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thanks to me, he probably will not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can you do for him, Mark? You have
+no money to spare."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Haven't I, mother?" asked Mark, with a
+smile, as he drew from his pocket a large handful
+of silver and gold.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you say to that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, Mark! I hope you came honestly by
+that money," said the widow, nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I haven't been robbing a bank, if that's what
+you mean, mother. I couldn't very well, as there
+is none within ten miles."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then, Mark, where did the money come
+from?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It belongs to old Anthony. He asked me to
+take charge of it, as I shall need to be buying
+things for him in the village for a few days to
+come."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For mercy's sake, be careful of it, Mark, as,
+if you lost it, we couldn't make up the loss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll look after that. In fact, I think it will
+be safer with me than with the owner. If
+any dishonest person should enter his cabin, he
+could not help being robbed in his present condition."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That would be very unfortunate, as the old
+man is probably very poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was about to undeceive his mother, but,
+reflecting that Lyman Taylor might still be in the
+village, he thought it not prudent to betray the
+hermit's secret.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard a report to-day, Mark," said his
+mother, as she was setting the supper table, "that
+the shoe-shop was to be closed for a month."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope not," said Mark, startled. "That
+would be serious for us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And for others too, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. It isn't as if there were other employments
+open, but there is absolutely nothing, unless
+I could get a chance to do some farm work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps Deacon Miller may need a boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's about the last man I would work for.
+He wouldn't pay me a cent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why not, Mark? He wouldn't expect you
+to work for nothing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He claims that I owe him forty-five dollars,
+and would expect me to work it out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean, Mark? How can you
+owe the deacon forty-five dollars?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't, but he claims I do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark then told his mother the story of the cow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Deacon Miller expects me to pay for it," he
+concluded, "but I think he'll have to take it out
+in expecting."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, Mark, I am afraid this will lead to serious
+trouble," said Mrs. Manning, looking distressed.
+"He may go to law about it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can't make me pay for the damage somebody
+else did, mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But if he makes out that you shot the
+cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't trouble about it. It might spoil my
+appetite for supper. I've got a healthy appetite
+to-night, mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your story has taken away mine, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't worry, mother; it will all come right."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid worrying comes natural to me,
+Mark. I've seen more trouble than you have,
+my son."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Forget it all till supper is over, mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Supper was scarcely over when a knock was
+heard at the door, and John Downie entered.
+He was a boy of Scotch descent, and lived near
+by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How are you, Johnny," said Mark, "won't
+you have some supper?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mark, I've had some. Have you
+heard about Deacon Miller's cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What about her?" asked Mark, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You know old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Her eyes are put out by an accidental discharge
+of a gun, and I guess she will have to be
+killed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know who shot her?" asked Mark,
+with intense interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do, but the deacon doesn't," answered
+John.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who was it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James Collins. He and Tom Wyman were
+coming through the pasture, when James, in
+handling his gun awkwardly, managed to discharge
+it full in poor Whitey's face."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How do you know it was James?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because I saw it. I was in the next field and
+saw it all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did the boys see you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; they hurried away as fast as they could
+go."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Johnny, you're a trump!" exclaimed Mark,
+rising and shaking the boy's hand vigorously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why am I a trump?" asked Johnny, astonished.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because your testimony will clear me. The
+deacon charges me with shooting the cow, and
+wants me to pay forty-five dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Gosh!" exclaimed Johnny. "But what
+makes him think you shot old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark briefly explained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But," said Mrs. Manning, "surely James
+Collins would not permit you to suffer for his
+fault?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't know James, mother. That's just
+what he would do, I feel sure. What do you say,
+Johnny?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Jim Collins is just mean enough to do it,"
+answered John.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can't do it now, however. Mr. Collins is
+abundantly able to pay for the cow, and I guess
+he'll have to."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know how we could ever have paid so
+large a sum," said the widow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We shan't have to, mother, that's one comfort."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's the deacon coming!" exclaimed
+Johnny, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he is! Johnny, just run into the kitchen,
+and I'll call you when you're wanted. We'll have
+some fun. Mother, don't say a word till we hear
+what the deacon has to say."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>By this time the deacon had knocked. Mrs.
+Manning admitted him, and he entered with a
+preliminary cough.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are your family well, deacon?" asked the
+mother.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They're middlin', widder, which is a comfort.
+Families are often a source of trouble," and here
+the deacon glanced sharply at Mark, who, rather
+to his surprise, looked cool and composed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That may be, Deacon Miller, but I am thankful
+that Mark never gives me any trouble."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be too sure of that, ma'am," said the
+deacon, grimly. "It's about that very thing I've
+come here now. Your son has shot my most
+valuable cow, old Whitey, and I regret to say,
+widder, that he'll have to make it good for me.
+Forty-five dollars is what the critter is worth,
+and I wouldn't have taken that for her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you sure Mark shot your cow?" asked
+Mrs. Manning.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As sure as I need to be. I caught him standin'
+by the cow with his gun in his hand. The
+barrel was empty, for I tried it to see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you to say to this charge, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That Deacon Miller is mistaken. I did not
+shoot his cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I reckon you'll have to pay for it all the same.
+Mark Manning. I don't want to be hard on a
+poor widder, but it stands to reason that I should
+be paid for my cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I agree to that," said Mark, "but I'm not
+the one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mebbe the cow shot herself!" said the deacon,
+sarcastically. "It may be nat'ral for cows
+to commit suicide, but I never saw one do it as
+far as I can remember. Young man, your story
+is too thin."</p>
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch08' class='c007'>CHAPTER VIII. <br /> DEACON MILLER GETS A CLUE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> was forced to smile at the idea of old
+Whitey committing suicide. The deacon observed
+his smile, and it provoked him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you mean to say, Mark Manning, that
+you think the critter shot herself in the face?"
+he demanded, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, Deacon Miller, I have no such idea."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's the same as admittin' that you shot
+her," said the deacon, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, it isn't, deacon. I didn't shoot her, but I
+have no doubt some one else did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It may have been the cat," remarked the deacon,
+with a return to sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was probably a two-legged cat," said
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Jest my idee!" remarked the deacon, quickly,
+"An' that brings it home to you. You was
+out with a gun, an' I caught you standin' beside
+the cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As to catching me," returned Mark, "there
+was no catching about it. I was crossing the
+pasture, and was attracted by the poor animal's
+moans. That is the way I happened to be near
+when you came up."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That all sounds very smooth," said the deacon,
+impatiently, "but if you didn't shoot the
+cow, who did?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think that question can be answered, Deacon
+Miller; John Downie!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>To the deacon's surprise, John came into the
+room at this summons.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Johnny," said Mark, "will you tell the deacon
+who shot his cow!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't like to tell," objected John; "it wasn't
+done on purpose."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you do it?" queried the deacon, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, <i>sir</i>. I never fired a gun in my life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who did it, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Must I tell, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Johnny; Deacon Miller has a right to
+know; even if it was not done on purpose, the
+one who did it ought to make good the loss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's where you speak sense, Mark," said
+the deacon, approvingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it was Jim Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James Collins—the squire's son!" repeated
+the deacon, astonished.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John proceeded to tell the story once more.
+The deacon, it is needless to say, listened very
+attentively.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So the boys run away, did they?" he inquired,
+grimly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I s'pose you'd have run away, too, if you
+had done it, hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps I might," answered John, ingenuously.
+"I s'pose they were scared."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll scare 'em," growled the deacon. "Squire
+Collins is able to make up the loss to me, and I
+mean he shall." Then, with a momentary suspicion,
+"This ain't a story you an' Mark have
+got up between you, to get him off, is it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will answer that, Deacon Miller," said Mark
+firmly. "If I had shot your cow, I wouldn't
+have run away, but I'd have gone right to you
+and told you about it, and I'd have paid you just
+as soon as I could."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's right, that's right," said the deacon,
+approvingly, beginning to regard Mark with
+more favor. "Well, I must go and see the squire.
+Here, you John Downie, come along with me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've got to go home," said John.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I can't prove it without you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You can tell the squire that I saw it done,
+and am ready to swear to it, if he wants me to."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mebbe that'll do if I send for you, you'll
+come, hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The deacon did not feel disposed to postpone
+what he regarded as important business, and he
+left the cottage, taking the shortest direction to
+the squire's more imposing dwelling. We will
+precede him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James Collins and his friend, as already described,
+ran away as fast as their legs could carry
+them, when they ascertained what damage had
+been done.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>No one, so far as they knew, had seen them,
+and they hoped to escape, scot free.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom accompanied James home, and stayed to
+supper. After supper the boys went out, and
+had a conference together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James felt a little nervous, though he believed
+that he was safe from incurring suspicion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if the deacon has found old Whitey
+yet?" said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess so," answered Tom. "He usually
+goes after the cows before this."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder how he'll think it happened?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Maybe he'll lay it to Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was not very much disturbed at this
+supposition.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That would be a good joke!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not for Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark can take care of himself. He was out
+with a gun as well as we."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"His mother couldn't afford to pay for the
+cow," said Tom, who was rather more considerate
+than his companion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's none of my business. And, Tom,
+there's something I want to say to you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Go ahead!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If Mark is accused, don't you go to saying it's
+a mistake. Remember it's none of your business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom looked uncomfortable, having some conscience.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It would be rough on a poor woman like Mrs.
+Manning having to pay for the deacon's cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're mighty considerate, Tom. You might
+consider me a little. If it were known that I
+shot the cow, father would make me pay at least
+half the bill out of my money in the savings' bank.
+I thought you were my friend!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I am."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you won't betray me. As for Mark, the
+deacon can't prove it against him, so he won't
+have to pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then the deacon will lose his cow, and get no
+pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can afford it. He's a stingy old lunks,
+anyway."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's true enough."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And it won't ruin him if he does lose the cow.
+He's able to buy another."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It struck Tom, though he was not over conscientious,
+that this was not exactly the way to
+regard the matter, but he did not like to offend
+James, and he had ventured to oppose him more
+than usual already. So he remained silent.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was not quite satisfied with his friend.
+He was not altogether sure of his fidelity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've got only one thing to say, Tom," he
+added. "If you go back on me, and breathe a
+word of what happened in the pasture, I'll never
+speak to you again as long as I live."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's going back on you? did I say I was?"
+demanded Tom rather irritably.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, then; I only wanted to have the
+thing understood between us, I didn't really think
+you would be mean enough to tell."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>So a satisfactory understanding was established
+between the two boys, and it looked as if Mark
+was likely to be the victim of their alliance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But just when James was beginning to feel
+secure, he was startled by an apparition just
+looming in sight on the highway. It was not a
+formidable figure—that of Deacon Miller—but
+under the circumstances James turned pale and
+his heart began to beat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tom," he gasped; "isn't that Deacon Miller
+coming up the road?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's the deacon sure enough!" answered Tom,
+looking disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he's coming here?" queried
+James nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Looks like it?" muttered Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he can have——heard anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he heard that we were out with
+guns?" suggested Tom. "He may have come
+to make inquiries."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just so, now, Tom, be careful not to look as
+if there was anything the matter. We'll be extra
+polite to the old fellow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He may not be coming here after all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But he was! arrived at the gate Deacon Miller
+paused, and opening it entered the front yard.
+He looked sharply at the two boys who were
+standing on the lawn.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch09' class='c007'>CHAPTER IX. <br /> THE DEACON'S MISSION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Ordinarily</span> James would not have considered
+Deacon Miller worth any polite attention, but
+the knowledge of what had happened in the pasture
+had its effect upon him. He thought it
+necessary by a little attention to disarm the deacon's
+suspicions if he had any.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good evening, Deacon Miller," he said politely.
+"Did you wish to see father?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wal," said the deacon deliberately. "I have
+a little business with him. Is he at home?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am pretty sure he is," answered James.
+"Come in with me, and I'll see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The deacon smiled—an inscrutable smile—and
+followed James, who opened the front door and
+led him into the parlor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're very obligin'," he said. "I had no
+idea you was so polite."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is the duty of a gentleman to be polite!"
+said James loftily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So 'tis, so 'tis!" returned the old man chuckling
+in an unaccountable manner. "I'm glad
+you think so. It's a great thing to be a boy, I
+had lots of fun when I was a boy. So do you,
+hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh yes," answered James indifferently. "But
+not as much as I could have in the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But you couldn't go huntin' and fishin' in the
+city," said the deacon slyly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James' heart gave a bound. What did the disagreeable
+old man mean? was it possible that he
+suspected?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care much for either," he said. "But
+I'll go and call father."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Presently the squire appeared and invited Deacon
+Miller into the back room, which was used
+as the family dining and sitting-room.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Glad to see, you, deacon," said Mr. Collins,
+who, having political aspirations, thought it worth
+while to be polite to his neighbors.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I ain't so sure of that, squire, when you know
+what I come about," returned the deacon with a
+crafty smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No bad news, I hope, deacon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wal, it ain't good news. You know my cow,
+old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" interrogated the squire, looking puzzled.
+He had heard nothing as yet of the accident
+in the pasture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She was shot in the face this afternoon—her
+eyes totally destroyed. I shall have to kill her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a pity! I sympathize with you, deacon.
+It must be a great disappointment to you. She
+was a good milker, wasn't she?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fust-rate! I never had a cow that could beat
+her. She was worth fifty dollars easy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very likely," said the squire, innocently, quite
+unaware of the trap which the wily deacon was
+preparing for him. It will be observed that the
+deacon, finding he had a case against a rich man,
+had concluded to raise the value of the cow by
+five dollars. "Fifty dollars is a considerable loss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So 'tis, but I haven't got to lose it. The one
+that shot old Whitey is responsible."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who did shoot her?" asked Squire Collins.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your boy, James," answered the deacon,
+slowly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was very disagreeably surprised.
+He was not a man who liked to part with money,
+and he saw how he had been trapped.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you see James shoot the cow?" he demanded
+sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"N—o; I can't say I did," replied the deacon,
+cautiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't believe he did it then. Did he admit
+it to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"N—o. I didn't ask him about it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then, Deacon Miller, permit me to say that
+you have no case against him, and I am not responsible
+for your unfortunate loss.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Somebody else saw it!" remarked the deacon
+triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who was it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie! Pooh, he is a mere boy," said
+the squire, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's got as many eyes as you or I, squire,"
+said the deacon, shrewdly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was unquestionably true, and the squire
+felt that he had made a foolish objection.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie may not tell the truth," he said,
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm willin' it should come before the court,"
+said the deacon. "Wouldn't it be jest as well
+to ask your boy about it; he's out in the yard."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was still in the yard. He had half a
+mind to go away, but was anxious about the deacon's
+errand. When he heard his father's voice
+calling him he turned pale.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wait for me, Tom," he said. "If you're
+asked, don't say I did it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom looked disturbed and uneasy, and did not
+reply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James entered his father's presence with a
+perturbed spirit. He stole a glance at the deacon,
+who sat with his wizened face calm and imperturbable.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you want me, father?" asked James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James," said his father, abruptly, "Deacon
+Miller tells me that some one has shot his cow,
+old Whitey, this afternoon, and injured her so
+seriously that she will have to be killed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am sorry to hear it," said James, nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know who did it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How should I?" asked James, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wer'n't you out in the pastur' this afternoon?"
+asked the deacon, pointedly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered James, "Tom Wyman and I
+crossed the pasture."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With guns on your shoulders?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ye—es," admitted James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you see anything of old Whitey?" continued
+the deacon, persevering in his pointed
+interrogations.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There were some cows there I remember; I
+suppose old Whitey was among them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did your gun go off while you were in the
+pasture?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ye—es, I believe it did. It went off accidentally."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And hit old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that. It may not have
+hit anything."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you don't know that you hit my cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wasn't the only boy in the pasture this afternoon,"
+said James, evasively.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know all about that. Tom Wyman was
+with you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, and so was Mark Manning. He was out
+gunning most all the afternoon. Have you asked
+him whether he hit the cow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the deacon; "he says he
+didn't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course he would say so," sneered James,
+more confidently. "He's just as likely to have
+done it as I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's what I thought myself," returned the
+deacon; "though Mark's a middlin' keerful boy.
+But I changed my mind."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because he denied it?" asked James, with a
+return of the sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not exactly. There was a boy saw it done,
+and he told me who did it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What boy saw it done?" asked James, all
+his apprehensions reviving.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Downie."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was startling news to James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And who does he say did it," he forced himself
+to ask.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You!" answered Deacon Miller, laconically.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't believe I did it," said James, wavering.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says after you shot the cow, you and Tom
+Wyman ran away as fast as your legs could carry
+you," added the deacon, chuckling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James turned as red as scarlet, but said nothing.
+It was clear enough that he was guilty, and
+knew it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Deacon Miller," said Squire Collins, "I will
+look into this matter, and if I find James shot
+your cow, we will make some arrangement about
+payment. Understand clearly, however, that I
+won't pay any fancy price, such as fifty dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't argy the matter now, squire," said
+the deacon. "Good-evenin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James," said his father, "I won't scold you
+for a piece of carelessness, but whatever compensation
+is paid to the deacon must come from your
+account in the savings' bank."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was a sad blow to James, he had a hundred
+and fifty dollars in the bank, and this would
+make a heavy draft upon it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He went out into the yard without a word.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's all up, Tom," he said. "John Downie
+has been telling tales about me. The first time
+I see him I'll give him a licking."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And serve him right, too, little tell-tale!"
+said Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny did not expect what was in store for
+him, but he was soon to be enlightened.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch10' class='c007'>CHAPTER X. <br /> MARK PROTECTS A FRIEND.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Squire Collins</span> succeeded in reducing the deacon's
+claim to thirty-eight dollars, and this sum
+James was obliged to withdraw from his savings
+in the bank. He thought it was very hard, as
+the shooting was merely an accident. He was
+fond of money, scarcely less so than Deacon Miller
+himself, and it went to his heart to find himself
+so much poorer than before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It isn't as if I got any fun out of it," he complained
+to Tom. "It's just money thrown away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is a heavy sum to pay for a trifling carelessness,"
+admitted Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I shouldn't have had a cent to pay but
+for John Downie. Why need the boy turn tell-tale?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mean? I should say so. I mean to come up
+with the fellow. I mean to give him the worst
+licking he ever had."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Even if Tom disapproved of the intention, he
+at any rate did not express any disapproval, but
+left it to be understood that he considered it perfectly
+proper.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Three days later the opportunity came. Tom
+and James were crossing the pasture, which had
+been the scene of the tragedy, when John, whistling
+gayly, met them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now's my chance," said James, triumphantly.
+"There's the sneak that told of me. See how
+I'll serve him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John Downie, seeing the boys approaching,
+nodded his head, saying in a friendly manner,
+"hello!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, it's you, is it?" said James, in a hostile
+tone, stopping short.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it's me. Who did you think it was?"
+returned John, laughing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've been wanting to meet you, John Downie."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What for?" asked John. He could not help
+seeing now that the speaker spoke like an enemy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To tell you that you are a sneak and a tell-tale."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean by that?" demanded John,
+beginning himself to be angry.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You ought to know without asking. Wasn't
+it you that told about my shooting old Whitey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you did shoot her, didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose I did. You needn't have blurted it
+out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The deacon charged Mark Manning with it.
+I wasn't going to see him suffer for it when I
+saw you do it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're a great friend of Mark Manning, it
+seems," said James, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I am; but, even if I hadn't been, I would
+have told. His mother is poor, and couldn't afford
+to pay for the cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She'll be poorer yet before long, I'm thinking,"
+said James. "Do you know what I'm going
+to do to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps you'll tell me," said John Downie,
+calmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm going to give you a licking."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I'll let you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James laughed derisively; Johnny was two
+inches shorter than he, and so far as appearances
+went was not as strong. In a contest between
+the two, there was little doubt that James would
+come out the victor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think you'll have much to say in the
+matter," said James. "Just move out of the
+way, Tom, and give me a chance at him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom did as requested, and James rushed at
+John with an impetuosity born of anger. John
+prepared to defend himself. The boys were soon
+grappling, trying to trip each other up. Neither
+knew much of the science of fighting, and victory
+naturally came to the stronger. In about two
+minutes John was on his back, with James kneeling
+over him, aiming blows at his face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I told you I'd give you a licking," said James,
+closing his teeth, firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, let him off, James," said Tom. "This
+ought to satisfy you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But it doesn't. I'm going to give him a lesson
+he'll remember all his life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James undertook to belabor his fallen opponent,
+but he had been so preoccupied that he did not
+notice a boy running towards the scene of conflict,
+neither did Tom, who had his back turned.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Luckily for John, Mark Manning was on his
+way to call upon the hermit, when he became an
+indignant witness of James's brutality. He said
+nothing, but fairly flew across the pasture till he
+reached the battle-field. The first intimation
+James had of his presence was a vigorous grasp
+of his coat collar, and in an instant he was lying
+on his back close to his late victim, with Mark
+standing over him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm ashamed of you, James Collins," he said,
+sternly. "You're a contemptible coward to attack
+a smaller boy like Johnny."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Knock him over, Tom," shrieked James,
+furiously. "I'll give him a licking, too."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It doesn't look much like it," said Mark, with
+his knee on James's breast.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Help, Tom!" called James, struggling once
+more.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom felt obliged to take an active part in the
+fight, though it was by no means to his taste.
+He seized Mark by the shoulders, and tried to
+drag him away from his prostrate friend, but by
+this time John Downie was on his feet, and ran
+forward, giving Tom a push which sent him headlong
+on the other side of James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me up, you low ruffian!" screamed
+James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you promise to behave yourself, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will promise nothing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you can stay here a little longer. What
+made you attack Johnny?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's none of your business. I'll lick him as
+often as I please."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not while I am around. Johnny, what made
+him attack you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He said I was a tell-tale, because I told of
+his shooting the cow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And so you are! Let me up, Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you promise?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I won't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let him up, Mark," said Johnny. "He won't
+dare to attack me while you are here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I think not. Get up then, James, and
+take care how you pitch into Johnny again.
+Just as sure as you do, you'll have to settle accounts
+with me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Released from the pressure that held him down,
+James rose, angry and humiliated. He would
+sooner have been worsted by any one than Mark,
+whom, for some reason not easy to divine, he
+especially hated.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You took me at advantage," he said, sullenly,
+"or you couldn't have thrown me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you want to try it again?" asked Mark,
+quietly. "Now we stand face to face, and you
+have as fair a chance as I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care to demean myself by fighting with
+such a low working boy as you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I commend your prudence, James," said Mark,
+undisturbed by this taunt. "As for being a
+working boy, I am not ashamed of that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're only a common pegger."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very true, I hope to rise higher some
+time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't work much longer in my father's
+shop. I'll have you discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you please. I think I can earn a living
+in some other way. Come, Johnny, if James
+has no further business with you, we may as well
+go along."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James, appearing to have no wish to resume
+hostilities, Mark and Johnny walked away.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't hear the last of this very soon,"
+said James, as a farewell shot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he'll get his father to discharge
+you, Mark?" asked Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think very likely."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am very sorry you have got into trouble on
+my account."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't worry, Johnny. I did right, and am
+ready to take the consequences."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch11' class='c007'>CHAPTER XI. <br /> MARK IS DISCHARGED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>The</span> next day Mark, with some misgivings, repaired
+to the shoe manufactory as usual. He
+knew he had done a bold thing in defending
+Johnny against his employer's son, but he never
+thought of regretting it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would do it again," he said to himself.
+"Catch me standing by and seeing Johnny
+whipped by any boy, no matter who he is."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark laid aside his hat and coat, and went to
+his customary bench.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had been at work fifteen minutes only,
+when Mr. Waite, the head of the room, entered,
+and went up to where he was standing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Collins wants to see you, Mark," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know what for, Mr. Waite?" Mark
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, Mark, but I hope it is to raise your wages,"
+said Mr. Waite, pleasantly, for he had always
+liked our hero.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid it is something quite different,"
+said Mark, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No trouble, I hope, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can tell you better when I return."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark put on his coat, and went downstairs to
+the office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was seated at a desk, with his
+spectacles astride his nose. He looked up as Mark
+entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Waite tells me you wish to see me, Mr.
+Collins," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," said the squire, frowning. "I presume
+you can guess what I want to see you about."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps so," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I understand that you made a violent attack
+upon my son James in the pasture, yesterday
+afternoon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We did have a little difficulty," Mark admitted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ha! I am glad you confess it. James says
+you made an unprovoked attack upon him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is not quite true, Squire Collins; I was
+very much provoked."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did my son attack you first?" demanded the
+squire, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I thought. Then you have no excuse by
+your own confession."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I have an excuse."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I fail to understand what it can be. To me
+it appears like a high-handed outrage of which you
+were guilty."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose James did not tell you what he
+was doing when I attacked him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I cannot remember that he did. What
+does that signify?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He had John Downie upon the ground, and
+was beating him brutally."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was somewhat nonplussed at this
+revelation, as James had said nothing about
+Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I ran up, and pulled him off, and prevented
+him from hurting Johnny."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins was rather embarrassed. He
+saw clearly that his son had been in the wrong,
+yet he was inclined to stand by him. Moreover,
+it chafed him that a poor boy should have presumed
+to interfere with his son, much more use
+violence towards him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He drew out his handkerchief and blew his
+nose, partly to gain time for consideration. At
+length he spoke.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My son feels very indignant at your presumption
+in assaulting him," he said, "and I wonder
+myself that you didn't see the impropriety of attacking
+the son of your employer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you have had me stand by and see
+Johnny beaten?" asked Mark, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I do not feel disposed to argue with you,"
+said the squire, in a dignified tone. "I feel compelled
+to take some action in the matter though
+I regret it. I cannot, of course, retain you in
+my employ. You are discharged. I have made
+up your account to date, and here is the sum due
+you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well, sir," answered Mark, quietly,
+though his heart sank within him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins handed him a dollar and thirty-seven
+cents, and Mark, putting them into his
+pocket, bowed and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He went back to the room where his hat hung,
+and taking it down, said to his fellow-workmen:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good-bye, boys, I shan't be with you any
+longer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why, Mark, what's the matter!" asked his
+next neighbor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm discharged; that's all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What for?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll tell you some other time—not now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark, I'm really sorry for this," said Mr.
+Waite, pressing his hand warmly. "I wish you
+good luck!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mr. Waite," answered Mark, his
+lip quivering a little. "I will hope for the
+best."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark walked home with a slow step. He dreaded
+to tell his mother of his discharge, for he knew
+that she would be still more depressed than himself.
+Youth is hopeful, but middle age is less
+sanguine.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't go home at once," thought Mark.
+"I will go to the wood and see the hermit. He
+may have some errand for me, and besides, he
+may be able to give me some advice."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>One object which Mark had, however, was to
+delay breaking the unwelcome news to his
+mother.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He bent his steps towards the pasture, which
+he must cross in order to penetrate to the wood
+by the usual path.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In a few minutes he entered the cabin, the
+door of which he found open.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit was no longer reclining, but was
+seated in a rocking-chair—the only article of
+luxury which the poor dwelling contained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, sir!" said Mark. "I hope you
+are better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am much better. But how does it happen
+that you come here in the morning? I supposed
+you were at work in the shoe factory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have lost my place there; I was discharged
+this morning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ha! how is that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Upon this Mark told the story of his encounter
+with the boys in the pasture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose," he concluded, "that James got
+me discharged in revenge for my interfering with
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you regret what you did?" inquired
+the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't," answered Mark, warmly. "I
+couldn't stand by and see Johnny beaten."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right, and I respect you for what
+you did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is a grievous thing for me, though," said
+Mark. "It takes away my income, and I don't
+see how mother and I are going to live."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much were you paid?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About three dollars and a half a week. Sometimes
+I made a little more by over-work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You have no occasion to be disturbed. I was
+about to propose that you should leave your
+place."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark looked surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will take you into my own employ," added
+Anthony. "How long have you been coming to
+me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A week, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may retain five dollars in compensation
+from the money you hold of mine, and hereafter,
+as you will give me your whole time, you shall
+be paid at the rate of a dollar a day—that is, seven
+dollars a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But, sir, you are overpaying me," protested
+Mark, who thought this compensation magnificent.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Be it so. I can afford it. Let me know
+when you need more money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have still about fifteen dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"After paying yourself for the last week?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. Can I do anything for you now?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. I feel like taking a walk. That shows
+I am better. You may come with me, and if I
+tire myself, I will lean upon your arm in returning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With pleasure, sir. I am very glad that you
+feel better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"After all," mused the old man, "it is pleasant
+to have human sympathy. I thought I was
+able to do without it, but I am more dependent
+than I supposed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They walked for half an hour. When they returned
+to the cabin, the hermit said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To-morrow morning I expect a visitor from
+the city. I wish you to meet him at the train,
+and conduct him here. He is a small man, with
+a sharp look, and will probably be dressed in
+black. In fact, he is my man of business. You
+need say nothing of this, however, but let people
+conjecture as they will."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And shall I speak of my arrangement with
+you, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may merely say that I have engaged you
+to do my errands. I shall not require you again
+to-day."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch12' class='c007'>CHAPTER XII. <br /> GOOD LUCK AFTER MISFORTUNE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> spirits were wonderfully improved
+when he left the hermit's cabin, and took his
+way homeward. So far from being injuriously
+affected by his discharge from the shoe-shop,
+his income was considerably increased. Not only
+this, but he had received five dollars for his past
+week's services over and above what he had been
+paid for his work in the shop.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now," thought he. "I can tell mother without
+minding it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But his mother had already heard of it. A
+neighbor, Mrs. Parker, who rather enjoyed telling
+bad news, had heard of it through her son,
+who also worked in the work-shop.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She at once left her work, and hurried over to
+Mrs. Manning's.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," said the widow,
+cheerfully. "Take a chair, do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Mrs. Manning, I can't stop a
+minute. I left my kitchen at sixes and sevens,
+on purpose to condole with you. I declare, it's
+really too bad."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is too bad? I don't understand you?"
+said Mrs. Manning, perplexed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About your son Mark, I mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What has happened to him? Is he hurt?"
+asked the widow, with a pale face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, no; hasn't he been home?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is at the shoe-shop, of course."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, he is not. He was discharged by Squire
+Collins this morning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Discharged? What for?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you know? Some quarrel between
+Mark and James Collins, I believe."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad he is not hurt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But hasn't he been home? I wonder at that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have seen nothing of him since he started
+for the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's strange."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor boy! I suppose he doesn't like to tell
+me he is discharged," sighed the widow. "It
+will be a serious thing for us, for I don't know
+where else he will find work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"O, something will turn up," said Mrs. Parker,
+who could bear the misfortunes of her neighbors
+very cheerfully. "But I must run home, or my
+dinner will be late."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The more Mrs. Manning thought of Mark's
+loss of employment, the more troubled she felt.
+Three dollars and a half a week was not a large
+sum, but it was more than half their income, and
+how they were to make it up she could not conjecture.
+Perhaps she could induce Mark to apologize
+to James, in which case the squire might be
+induced to take him back. While her mind was
+busy with such thoughts, Mark entered the house
+whistling. His mother was considerably surprised
+at this evidence of light-heartedness under
+the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He entered the room where his mother was at
+work.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, mother, is dinner almost ready?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be ready soon. But oh, Mark, what
+is this I hear about your being discharged from
+the shoe-shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is all true, mother, but you needn't worry
+over it. We shall get along just as well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see how. There is no other shop in
+the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have another job already, and a better one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning opened her eyes in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can it be?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony has hired me to do his errands."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid, Mark, that will amount to very
+little."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am to receive five dollars a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you really mean this? I thought he was
+very poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite the contrary, mother, but we mustn't
+say that to others. Let people think he is poor.
+Here are five dollars which he has paid me for
+the last week, though I have worked in the shop,
+and done very little for it. Take it, mother, and
+use as you need it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will this last, Mark?" asked his mother,
+almost incredulously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it will. The hermit seems to have
+taken a special fancy to me, and he says he can
+well afford to pay me this sum. I say, mother,
+suppose I invite him to take dinner with us next
+Sunday?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With all my heart, Mark. He seems to me
+like a good Providence who has come to our help
+at this juncture."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you need anything at the store this afternoon?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The butter and sugar are out, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Give me the five-dollar bill, then, mother,
+and I will buy some."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Shortly after dinner Mark started for the store.
+On the way he met several persons who condoled
+with him on his loss of place. They were surprised
+to find that Mark looked cheerful, and even
+gay.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said, "I've retired from the shoe
+business on a fortune."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't seem to mind it!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I can stand it well enough, but I pity
+Squire Collins for losing my valuable services."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I thought you'd be down in the mouth. You
+don't seem to care."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why should I? Care killed a cat."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Arrived at the store, Mark stepped up to the
+counter and called for two pounds of sugar and
+two pounds of butter.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Palmer, the grocer, had heard of Mark's
+dismissal, and being a cautious man, inquired:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you going to pay cash?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard you had lost your place at the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mark, smiling, "I discharged
+Squire Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It'll be rather hard on you, won't it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess I can pay my bills, Mr. Palmer. At
+any rate I can pay for what I am buying now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The grocer put up the packages, and was surprised
+when Mark handed him a five-dollar bill
+in payment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seems to me you're flush," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So it seems," answered Mark, but he volunteered
+no information.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't make out that boy," said the grocer
+to his assistant, after Mark had gone out. "He
+looks as if he had got a good place instead of
+losing it. I wonder if the widder's got any
+money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not much, except what Mark brings in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They'll be asking credit soon, Enoch. Don't
+trust them till you've referred to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir, I won't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On his way home Mark met the cause of his
+discharge, James Collins, accompanied as usual
+by his friend, Tom Wyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" said James, eying Mark, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why ain't you at the shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I do know. You've been discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose I am indebted to your kindness for
+that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, you are. Perhaps now you will be sorry
+for your impertinence to me in the pasture."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When I am I'll tell you so. At present I am
+glad, and would do the same thing again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How do you expect to live?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"On victuals and drink, thank you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you have money to buy them," supplemented
+James, with a malicious smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've got a little money left," and Mark drew
+out not only his own but the hermit's money.
+"You see I don't depend on work in the shoe-shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James was both amazed and annoyed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did you get that money?" he asked
+abruptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid I must leave your curiosity ungratified.
+I'll tell you, as it may interest you,
+that I should have resigned my place in the shop
+at the end of the week, even if you hadn't kindly
+got me discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>So saying, Mark walked away.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where do you think he got that money,
+Tom?" said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Blamed if I know!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The next morning Mark walked to the depot to
+meet the morning train.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch13' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIII. <br /> THE LITTLE MAN IN BLACK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>When</span> the morning train arrived, Mark was
+on hand. He watched carefully for the man he
+was sent to meet. As it happened, the business
+agent was the last man to leave the train. He
+stepped upon the platform, and began to look
+about him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark advanced towards him, and raised his
+hat, politely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is this Mr. Hardy?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The small man regarded him sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he answered. "Have you a message
+for me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. I am to conduct you to Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just so. How is his health?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has had an attack of rheumatism, but is
+better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No wonder he is sick, living in that out-of-the-way
+place. Do you know him well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pretty well, sir. I am in his employ."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ha! then he is living a little more as he
+should do. What is your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"M. M. Just so. Sounds like a fancy name.
+Is it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; it's all the name I have," said Mark
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long have you been in the employ of
+Mr. Taylor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only a little over a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know anything about his history?"
+demanded Mr. Hardy, with a sharp look of inquiry.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir. He has told me something of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Humph! Then he must have confidence in
+you. Well, let us be starting. Is it far?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nearly two miles, sir. Perhaps you will be
+tired."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In which case you will perhaps kindly carry
+me on your shoulders," suggested Mr. Hardy,
+quizzically.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid I shouldn't be able to do that,"
+returned Mark, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And yet, I don't believe I weigh much more
+than you. What is your weight?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"One hundred and twenty-three pounds."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I weigh one hundred and twenty-four.
+I have one pound the advantage of you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, who was a stout boy, was rather pleased
+to learn that he weighed within a pound as much
+as his companion. I suppose most boys are proud
+of their size.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They had commenced their walk and Mark
+found that his new acquaintance was a fast
+walker.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does Mr. Taylor ever have any visitors?"
+asked the lawyer, for such was his profession.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not from the village, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"From any other quarter?" asked Hardy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He had a call from his nephew, lately."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Lyman Taylor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then he has found his uncle's place of concealment.
+What do you know of the interview?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark gave an account of Lyman's visit, his demand
+for money, and his threatened violence.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he suppose his uncle had money?" inquired
+the lawyer, in an anxious tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He did not suppose he had much, but he
+wanted a part of it, however small."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he succeed in obtaining anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor told me to give him five dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I had a sum of money belonging to the hermit,
+in my possession. I used to buy things for
+him in the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you think Lyman went away with the
+impression that my friend—the hermit, as you
+call him—had very little money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; I am sure of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you under the same impression?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; Mr Taylor has told me that he is
+moderately rich."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That shows he has great confidence in you.
+Don't breathe a word of it, my boy, or this rascally
+nephew will persecute his uncle, and make
+his life a burden."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He will learn nothing from me," said Mark
+firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You seem a good trustworthy boy—I think
+my friend made a good choice of a confidant."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At length they reached the cabin in the wood.
+Old Anthony was already outside, waiting for
+their coming.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, my friend," said the lawyer;
+"the boy tells me you have been sick——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I have had a visit from my old enemy,
+but I am much better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To be sick in such a place!" said the lawyer
+with a shudder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have not suffered, thanks to Mark—will
+you come in?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let us rather bring chairs outside, if you are
+provided with such luxuries. We shall have
+several matters to discuss."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Hardy glanced significantly at Mark, who
+was leaning against a tree, and could of course
+hear the conversation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark," said the hermit, "you may go farther
+away, but return in an hour. This gentleman
+and myself may have some things to speak of
+which are private."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, old friend," Hardy began, "haven't
+you had enough of this strange existence? you
+are rich, and can afford all the comforts of life,
+yet you voluntarily surrender them, and bury
+yourself in this wilderness. Do you mean to stay
+here all your life?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I did at one time think it probable, now
+I am beginning to feel a greater interest in
+life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The boy tells me your nephew has found you
+out?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he came here in quest of money, but he
+went away convinced that I was nearly as poor as
+himself. If he knew the truth I should be in
+constant danger of robbery, or worse——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you die without a will, is he not your
+heir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He would be, but I shall make a will. It is
+partly to give you instructions on this point that
+I have sent for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You have no one else to leave your money
+to?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A part will go to charitable institutions, a
+part——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To one whom I hold in greater regard than
+my nephew—to the boy, who guided you hither."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Indeed! does he know anything of your
+purpose?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing, and need not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You have taken a fancy to him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he is honest, manly, upright, just such
+a boy as I should have been glad to have for my
+son. Don't dissuade me, for the thought of doing
+something for him gives me a new interest in
+life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall not dissuade you, Anthony, for I believe
+the boy to be all that you say. Of course if
+you had a blood relation who was deserving, I
+might make an objection. Has this boy relations?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only a mother, who is mainly dependent
+upon him. By the way, have you invested the
+sum paid in lately?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; but I have an application for it, or I
+should say, for four-fifths of it. Curiously, the
+applicant lives in this town."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Collins, the shoe manufacturer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am surprised at this. I thought he was
+rich."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has lost money by investments in stocks,
+and finds himself hard up."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What does he offer?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seven per cent, secured by a mortgage on
+his shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let him have it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you willing that your name should appear
+in the matter?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I shall transfer the sum to Mark, and
+make you his trustee or guardian."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I understand. Is he to know of his good
+fortune?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not at present. The boy was discharged only
+yesterday from the shop of this Collins," added
+Anthony, smiling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A good joke!" said the lawyer. "And now
+the boy lends him money. That is returning
+good for evil."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Without knowing it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Precisely."</p>
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch14' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIV. <br /> AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>There</span> is a further sum of a thousand dollars,"
+suggested the lawyer. "What is your
+pleasure in regard to that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The boy is to have that too. Deposit it in
+some savings' bank in your own name as his
+trustee."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That makes the boy worth five thousand
+dollars—a large gift."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly, but I know of no better use for it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is to remain ignorant of this also?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For the present, yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now for your instructions concerning the
+will. I will note them down, and prepare the
+document for your signature."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>These directions were given, one-half of the
+hermit's property being left to certain specified
+charities, the remaining half to Mark Manning.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The lawyer wrote in silence. Then, pausing,
+he said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you allow me, in right of our long friendship,
+to make one suggestion?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Surely, John."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then let me ask if you are sure that there is
+no one having a rightful claim upon you, and
+who ought to be considered in this matter?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you mean Lyman?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By no means. He has forfeited any claim
+he may once have possessed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then what is your meaning?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you sure that your daughter left no
+issue?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Anthony's brow contracted, not with anger
+but with pain. The old wound had not healed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never heard of any," he answered, after a
+pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yet there may have been a child."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And if there were?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It would be your grandchild," said the lawyer,
+firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And his child," said the hermit, bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You should not impute that to the child for
+blame."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What would you have me do, old friend?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Make provision for the child, if there should
+be one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What would you suggest?" asked Anthony,
+slowly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't wish to injure the boy; I would only
+suggest that charity begins at home. Divide
+your estate into thirds; give one-third to Mark,
+one to the child, if there be one, and one to
+charity."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no objection to that. But suppose
+there be no child living?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then divide that third between Mark and
+the charitable societies you have enumerated."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wisely counseled, John, but why not give it
+to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because I am moderately rich already, and
+need nothing more. Then, also, it would work
+against my interest to find the child. I might
+turn out to be as wicked and unprincipled as
+most lawyers are said to be," he concluded, with
+a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no fear of that. So that is your only
+objection—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It isn't. Give it all to the boy in preference."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, let it be as you proposed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"One thing more. Don't you think it is your
+duty to ascertain whether you have a grandchild?
+It may be living in poverty; perhaps in actual
+want."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right; I should have thought of
+that before. But what steps would you advise
+me to take?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Send some trusted messenger to the last place
+where you have information that your daughter
+lived. Have you tidings of her husband?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He died first. Both died of typhoid fever, as
+I learned."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did they die?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At a small place in Indiana—Claremont, I
+think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you should send there, and make inquiries.
+It would be well to go yourself, if you
+could bring yourself to do it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I couldn't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then send a trusted messenger."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have none whom I could trust—except that
+boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John Hardy looked thoughtful. He appeared
+to be pondering something. Finally he said:
+"Then send him. He is a boy, but he is faithful
+and discreet. Moreover, I could advise him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let it be so!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can you spare him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I am quite recovered, and he may not
+be gone many weeks. If I need help I can easily
+receive it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would suggest a delay of a week or two, or
+till the will is drawn up and signed, and some
+other business attended to."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be guided entirely by your advice."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now shall I leave you some money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I have enough to last for some time to
+come."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't keep it in this cabin, do you? It
+would be imprudent. You would be exposed to
+robbery."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I have a place of concealment in the
+woods. I shall go this afternoon, taking Mark
+with me, to draw from it. It is my bank."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The bank of the woods," suggested Hardy,
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Presently Mark returned, and conducted the
+lawyer back to the station. Without the boy's
+remarking it, his elderly companion drew him
+out, weighed him mentally in the balance, and
+decided that his client was not, after all, rash in
+confiding in a mere boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's smart and honest!" was his mental
+verdict.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At the station, he handed Mark a card containing
+the address of his office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Unless I am much mistaken," he said, "Mr.
+Taylor will have occasion to send you to my office
+in the city before long."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be very glad to come," answered Mark,
+gladly. "I don't often get a chance to come to
+New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The lawyer shook hands with Mark, and
+boarded the train.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Turning to leave the station, Mark encountered
+the gaze of his two hunting companions, James
+Collins and Tom Wyman, fixed curiously upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is that old file?" asked James, with his
+usual want of ceremony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A gentleman from New York," answered
+Mark, briefly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's his name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Hardy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How did you run across him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't; he ran across me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How did you get acquainted with him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He asked me to be his guide. I walked about
+with him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"O, a tourist! Did he give you anything?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then all your time and trouble was thrown
+away," sneered James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that. He invited me to
+call at his office when I came to the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is hardly likely to do you any good.
+Business doesn't call you to the city very often."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is true," said Mark, his temper undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A quarter would have helped you more, especially
+now that you are out of work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you sympathize with me, James.
+Perhaps you will ask your father to take me back
+into the shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not after the mean way in which you treated
+me. I swore I'd come up with you, and I
+have."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope you'll enjoy your revenge."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I do, you may be sure of that. If you had
+minded your own business, it would have been
+better for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not sure about that. It may surprise
+you, James, to hear that I wouldn't go back to
+the shop, if your father were to call and ask me
+to do so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a likely story!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Likely or not, it's true."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you have come into a fortune," said
+James, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was what had actually happened, but
+Mark had no more knowledge of his good fortune
+than James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Later in the day Mark presented himself at the
+cabin in the woods.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I thought you might have an errand for me,"
+he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I have," returned the hermit. "Take
+yonder spade and come with me."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch15' class='c007'>CHAPTER XV. <br /> THE HERMIT'S BANK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark</span> was considerably surprised by the order
+he had received. What was he do with a spade?
+They were in the woods, and there was no arable
+land near. However, Mark was sensible enough
+to understand that it was his duty to obey, not to
+question.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, sir!" he said, but there was a
+wonder in his look which old Anthony noticed
+with a smile. However, he did not immediately
+throw any light on the mystery.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They walked possibly a quarter of a mile till
+they reached a comparatively open space near the
+center of which stood a tall tree.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We will stop here," said Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark lowered the spade, which he had been
+carrying on his shoulder, and waited further
+instructions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony produced a compass to make sure
+of his bearings, and a tape measure. One end of
+this he gave to Mark, saying: "Stand by the
+tree."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, wondering as much as ever, took his
+position beside the tree.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little more on that side!" was the next
+direction.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Mark was placed to suit him, Anthony
+took the other end of the tape measure, and
+measured due east sixteen feet.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he said musingly, "this must be the
+spot."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Marking the spot with a stone, he said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Bring the spade to me, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark did so.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you wonder what I am going to
+do?" said the hermit with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," Mark admitted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This is my bank," explained Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark wondered whether the hermit was in his
+right mind. He stood by curious and attentive,
+while Anthony began to disturb the soil, throwing
+up one spadeful of dirt after another.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He continued at his task for ten minutes, and
+then desisted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I get fatigued easily," he said; "here, Mark,
+take your turn."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark took the spade, and continued the excavation.
+He was young and strong, and bore the
+fatigue better than his employer. At length he
+felt the spade striking something hard.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have struck something," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well, now proceed more carefully, so as
+not to break the vessel. Uncover it, and then I
+will tell you what to do——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hole was now about eighteen inches deep.
+Mark cleared away some of the dirt, and disclosed
+an earthen pot which appeared to be provided
+with a cover.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What shall I do now?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Stoop down, and remove the cover, and take
+out what you find inside."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark got down on his knees, and bending over,
+accomplished what was asked of him. To his
+surprise he saw that the bottom of the pot was
+covered with gold pieces.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take them out, and hand them to me," said
+old Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All of them, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I may as well remove them to another
+place. Besides the balance must be small."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit counted the gold pieces, as they
+were placed in his hands.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There are but three hundred and fifty dollars
+left!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>To Mark this seemed considerable, though it
+was evident the pot would have contained, if full,
+many times as much.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What shall I do with the pot?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You can leave it where it is. Anyone is
+welcome to it, now that it is empty. Put the
+cover on, and some one will one day stumble upon
+treasure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark filled up the hole, and disposed leaves
+over it so as to conceal the work that had been
+done.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well done, Mark! The last time I did
+all the work myself, but that was before I had
+the rheumatism. It has stiffened my joints, and
+weakened me as I find. Now let us go back."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark once more shouldered the spade, and
+the two walked back side by side.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I may as well explain how I came to deposit
+my money there," said old Anthony. "I was
+sensible that it would be dangerous to leave a
+large sum in my cabin, and it was not convenient
+or agreeable for me to make visits to the city
+from time to time to draw money from my agent.
+I was in the habit of going but once in a year or
+two, and then bringing with me enough to last
+me for a considerable period. I could, of course,
+have hidden my money under the flooring of my
+cabin, but that is the very place where burglars
+would have searched, had they done me the honor
+to look upon me as a miser, hiding concealed
+treasures. It was for this reason that I selected
+a hiding-place so far away from my dwelling.
+Fearing that I might forget the exact place, I
+chose a particular tree as a guide, and then measured
+a distance of sixteen feet due east. Of
+course there would be no danger of my mistaking
+the place then."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Somebody might have seen you digging
+there, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"True; I used to go early in the morning
+when no one was likely to be in the wood. Besides,
+I carefully looked about me before beginning
+to dig, to make all secure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We didn't look about us this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, it was not necessary. There is no money
+left, and as for the earthen pot, any one is welcome
+to it, who will take the trouble to dig for
+it. I fancy it would hardly repay the labor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is still considerable gold; are you not
+afraid of being robbed?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is a chance of it. I shall therefore give
+you half of it to keep for me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you have so much confidence in
+my honesty, Mr. Taylor. But I hope that no one
+will suspect that I have so much money, or I
+might be attacked."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Better give the greater part to your mother
+to lock up in a trunk or bureau drawer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I will, sir. It seems odd to have you
+choose me as a banker, Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think I shall have any cause to repent
+it, Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nor I, so far as honesty goes, but I might be
+robbed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We will take our chance of that."</p>
+
+<hr class='c014' />
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark and his employer supposed themselves
+alone when they were engaged in disinterring
+the golden treasure, but they were mistaken.
+Two pairs of very curious eyes watched them
+from behind a clump of bushes. These eyes belonged
+to James Collins and Tom Wyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They were in the wood with their guns, looking
+for squirrels, when they saw the approach of
+Mark and the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder what they are going to do," said
+James. "Mark has got a spade."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know. Suppose we hide, and then
+we'll find out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This proposal struck James favorably, and
+they concealed themselves behind a clump of
+low trees, as already described. With eager
+eyes they watched the preliminary measurement,
+and the subsequent excavation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The old man's a miser," whispered James.
+"He's got gold hidden there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just what I think," responded Tom, also in a
+whisper.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if there's much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hush! We'll soon see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They were not near enough to hear what passed
+between Mark and Anthony, but they saw the
+gold coins which the boy passed to his employer.
+Then they saw the dirt replaced, and the spot
+made to look as before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Mark and Anthony had gone, they
+emerged from their hiding-place, eager and
+excited.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well," said James, drawing a long breath,
+"we've found the hermit's secret. He must be
+a miser. I wonder how much more gold there is
+in the hole."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thousands of dollars, very likely," said Tom,
+who had a vivid imagination. "You know it
+doesn't take a very big pile of gold to make a
+thousand dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark Manning is pretty thick with old
+Anthony. He trusts him more than I would."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark'll rob him someday. See if he don't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder. I say, Tom, don't you
+tell a living soul of what we've seen this afternoon.
+If Mark steals the money, we can expose him.
+He little thinks we know his secret."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tom agreed to this, and the two boys went
+home. When they next saw Mark, they regarded
+him with a knowing look that puzzled him.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch16' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVI. <br /> LYMAN TAYLOR GAINS SOME INFORMATION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>When</span> Lyman Taylor left his uncle and returned
+to the city, he felt that his visit had been
+a failure. His traveling expenses had amounted
+to about two dollars, and he only carried back
+five dollars with him. Added to this, his prospects
+of remunerative employment were by no
+means brilliant. To work, indeed, he was an
+enemy, and always had been.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Blessed if I know how I'm coming out," he
+said to himself, ruefully; "if Uncle Anthony
+had showed any enterprise, he ought to be well
+off, and able to lend me a helping hand. Instead
+of which he is settled down in a tumble-down
+shanty in the woods, and isn't doing any good to
+anybody."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman resented it as a wrong done to himself
+that his uncle was not in a condition to help him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>If he were only living in the city now, he might
+quarter himself upon him. As matters stood, it
+was out of the question. It made him shudder
+to think of becoming a joint tenant of the lonely
+cabin, with nothing to look to but the homely
+fare, which no doubt contented his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall have to shift for myself," he reflected
+with a sigh; "I always was unlucky. Other fellows
+are born with a silver spoon in their mouths,
+and have rich fathers or uncles to provide for
+them, while I may go to the poorhouse for all the
+help I am likely to get from Uncle Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Arrived in New York, however, his prospects
+rose a little. He met an old acquaintance on the
+Bowery, and turned into a billiard saloon, where
+he succeeded in a series of games in raising his
+small capital to ten dollars.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This gave him a hint of a new way to make a
+living—a way, as he considered, infinitely preferable
+to a life of toil. Henceforth he frequented
+billiard saloons, and occasionally varied his pleasant
+labors by a game of cards. In spite, however,
+of his praiseworthy efforts to make an honest
+livelihood, there came a time when he was reduced
+to his last quarter of a dollar.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was sitting moodily in a cheap downtown
+hotel, when he was addressed by a bearded man
+dressed in rough miner's costume, a type of man
+more frequently met in California or Colorado,
+than in an Atlantic city.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have a cigar, stranger?" asked the bearded
+man socially.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you; I don't care if I do," said
+Lyman with alacrity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm a stranger in York," said the other, "only
+arrived yesterday. You've got a right smart
+city here; beats 'Frisco higher'n a kite!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you come from San Francisco?" asked
+Lyman with interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm from Californy—was up in the mines
+mostly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you have much luck?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wal, I made two or three piles, an' lost 'em
+agin. However, I've got a little left. I've
+always wanted to see York, and thought I might
+as well come on and see it before I lost the
+last."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm glad to meet you," said Lyman, who was
+speculating as to whether he couldn't make a
+little something out of his new friend, before his
+"pile" was wholly reduced in size. "I'm an old
+Californian myself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't say so? when was you there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman mentioned the time, and the country
+where he had courted fortune.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't say, stranger?" returned the
+miner. "Why, I was at that identical place myself.
+I bought a mine—leastways me and my
+partner did—of an old man, named Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Anthony Taylor?" asked Lyman, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That was the old fellow's name. Did you
+know him, stranger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should say I did. He is my uncle. Did
+you—pay much for the claim?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We paid five thousand dollars cash down."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor whistled in amazement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was it worth it?" he added.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We took out ten thousand dollars, and I
+heerd that the old man took out as much before
+selling it to us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What month did you buy it?" asked Lyman,
+breathless.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me see, it was in September. You seem
+to be interested, stranger?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should say I was. That claim was half
+mine, and my uncle never gave me a cent of the
+purchase money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where were you all the time?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I left in disgust, for we'd worked a long time
+without making it pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You left too soon. The old man struck it
+rich some time early in August, and carried away
+ten thousand dollars, besides what we gave him.
+We didn't make so much of a spec, for too much
+had been taken out already. Where is your
+uncle now?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Living in the country. I went up to see him
+two or three weeks since."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How's he fixed? Did he hang on to his
+pile?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He's hanging on to it now," answered Lyman,
+with an oath. "He made out he was poor, and
+sent me off with a beggarly five-dollar note."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he's lost his money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"More likely he's keeping it out of the way.
+He ought to give me half he made out of the
+claim."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know about that, stranger. You
+gave up and left, and all he made afterwards,
+went of right to him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor, however, did not regard the
+matter in that light. Discreetly losing sight of
+the circumstances under which he left his uncle,
+carrying off all the gold dust he had then accumulated,
+he persuaded himself that he had suffered
+a great wrong in not having shared in the
+subsequent rich development.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just my luck!" he said to himself, moodily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I'd only waited a couple of months I'd have
+left California a rich man. How was I to guess
+how the claim was going to pan out. I didn't
+think Uncle Anthony would have treated me so
+meanly. I wonder how much he's got left?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was an interesting subject of consideration,
+but unfortunately, Lyman had no data to
+go upon; or, rather, what data he had, were not
+calculated to favor the presumption that his
+uncle was a rich man.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It did not look very likely that a rich man, or
+even one moderately well-to-do, would voluntarily
+make his home in a poor cabin, like that
+which old Anthony occupied.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman began to fear that his uncle had managed
+to lose by bad investments the money he
+had obtained from the claims, and was really as
+poor as appearances would seem to indicate.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you livin' in this hotel?" asked the
+miner.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm not living anywhere in particular," answered
+Lyman. "Fact is, I'm rather down on
+my luck. There are no 'piles' to be made in
+New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've been there myself, stranger. Here, take
+this, and pay it back when it's convenient."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman eagerly accepted the twenty-dollar gold
+piece offered him by his liberal new acquaintance,
+and leading the way to the bar, they cemented
+their new-born friendship by a drink in true California
+style. He then proposed a game of cards,
+but the miner declined.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never cared much for keerds," he said.
+"Excuse me! I don't mind playing a game of
+pool if you're agreeable."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When the two parted, they were sworn friends.
+Lyman, however, found that his miner friend
+had all his wits about him, and that the twenty
+dollar loan was all he was likely to extract from
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I must make another visit to that uncle of
+mine," said Lyman to himself, as he sauntered
+down the Bowery. "He ought to pay me half
+the money he got for that claim."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch17' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVII. <br /> ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Keen</span> on the scent of anything likely to turn
+to his own advantage, Lyman Taylor arranged
+the very next day to make a second visit to Pocasset,
+and find out definitely, if possible, whether
+his uncle had saved any of the large sum which
+his claim had yielded him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He hardly knew what to think. Anthony was
+not the man to waste money on extravagant
+living, but then he might have made poor investments,
+and reduced himself to a pittance. Cases
+of that kind were common enough in California,
+as Lyman knew well enough.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He preferred, however, to think that his uncle
+had turned miser, and was still the possessor of a
+handsome fortune. In that case, as the only
+near relative, it ought to come to him some day.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me see," he mused, "how old is Uncle
+Anthony! Fifty-nine!" he resumed, after a
+mental calculation. "That isn't very old, but he
+looks a good deal older. He is about played out—a
+physical wreck," he reflected, complacently,
+"and may not live a year.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In that damp cabin it could not be expected.
+Of course it's his own lookout. If he chooses to
+live there, I don't see that it's any of my business.
+I ought to come to a friendly understanding with
+him, and get him to recognize me as his heir.
+I dare say he's got his money hidden away in
+some out-of-the-way place. It would be a sorry
+joke if he should die, and it shouldn't be found."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman shuddered uneasily, as he thought of
+this contingency.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He ought to place his money in charge of
+some competent manager," he resumed. "I'd
+take care of it myself, and save him all business
+cares, if he'd let me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman did not appreciate the absurdity of this
+plan. Few persons think themselves unfit to be
+trusted with money. What he thought of his
+own honesty can only be conjectured. Probably
+he did not regard himself with the eyes of those
+who knew him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Such thoughts were passing through the mind
+of the hermit's nephew, as he was traveling from
+New York to Pocasset. Arrived at the depot, he
+set out for the village at a brisk pace.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Presently he espied in advance of him a couple
+of boys, whose figures looked familiar. It did
+not take him long to recall the two boys he had
+met in the pasture on his former visit. Of course
+they were James and Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just the ones I want to see," he said to himself.
+"I may get some news from them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He quickened his pace, and soon overtook
+them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, young gentlemen!" he said,
+urbanely. "I believe we have met before."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boys turned around. They, too, recognized
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," answered James. "You are old
+Anthony's nephew."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The same! I am glad you remember me.
+Have you seen or heard of my uncle lately?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; we saw him yesterday in the wood."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has he recovered from his rheumatic attack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess so," said Tom. "He is looking pretty
+well now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I came down to inquire his condition. I am
+his only relative, and though he is prejudiced
+against me, I can't help feeling anxious about his
+health. Can you tell me anything about him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has that boy, Mark Manning, about him
+all the time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can be the boy's object in keeping
+company with a poor old man, who has no way
+of rewarding him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not so sure about that," said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About what?" asked Lyman, quickly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About his being poor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you any reason to think my uncle has
+money?" asked Lyman, eagerly, fixing a sharp
+glance of inquiry on the speaker.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James looked at Tom, as if to consult him
+about the propriety of telling what he knew.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As I am his nephew and only relation, and—heir,"
+continued Lyman, "you can freely tell
+me anything you have found out."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you?" asked James, turning to his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't see why not," returned Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then," said James, who rather enjoyed the
+prospect of telling the story, "I'll tell you what I
+saw the other day—that is, Tom and I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes, what did you see?" interrupted
+Lyman, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We were out in the woods about a quarter of
+a mile from the hermit's cabin, when we all at
+once heard voices. Slipping behind a tree we
+saw old Anthony and Mark coming along. Mark
+had a spade over his shoulder. We wondered
+what it all meant, and so kept hidden. Well,
+the two came up to a big tree, and then measured
+with a tape measure to a place about a rod
+distant. Then old Anthony took the spade and
+began to dig. But I guess he got tired, for
+pretty soon he gave the spade to Mark, and got
+him to dig."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?" ejaculated Lyman, who was listening
+with intense interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pretty soon he struck something hard. It
+turned out to be an earthen pot with a cover."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did they take it up?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; but Mark took off the cover, and then
+took out, oh, such a lot of gold pieces."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just what I thought!" exclaimed Lyman, in
+excitement. "I was sure my uncle kept his
+money hidden in the ground somewhere. Do you
+know how much money he took out of the jar?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There must have been hundreds of dollars—maybe
+a thousand."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The cover was put on again, and then Mark
+filled up the hole, and covered it with leaves, so
+that nobody would think the ground had been
+disturbed, then they went away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That shows there must be more money there,
+don't you think so?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course, or they wouldn't have taken so
+much trouble to cover it up again," answered
+James, readily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right. I see you are sharp. What
+a fine detective you would make!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James looked pleased at this compliment, and it
+inclined him in favor of the appreciative stranger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think," asked Lyman, after a pause,
+"you could find the spot again?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I guess so. Why?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should like to go there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But," objected James, cautiously, "what
+would you do if you found it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would dig down and find the jar."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But you would have no right to do that; the
+money belongs to old Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is my uncle. But you are mistaken. I
+don't want to take it. I want to see if the gold is
+still there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why shouldn't it be?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because," answered Lyman, with a lucky
+thought, "the boy knows where it is. What is
+to prevent his going there by himself and carrying
+off all there is. My uncle would have no
+proof that it was he."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I never thought of that," said James, quickly.
+"It would be just like Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think he is honest?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't answer for him. He is a poor
+boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly, and the gold would be a great temptation.
+As the legal heir of Uncle Anthony, I
+think I ought to look into the matter. Suppose
+my uncle should die, wouldn't this Mark get the
+money, even if he hasn't done it already, and no
+one would be the wiser?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course!" James readily assented. "What
+do you want us to do?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Lead me to the place, and let me see for
+myself if the money is still there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall we, Tom?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it would be only fair."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then come along. I'll get a spade from the
+house as we pass."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The spade was obtained, and the three set out
+for the wood.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch18' class='c007'>CHAPTER XVIII. <br /> LYMAN'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>James</span> was not without his share of curiosity,
+and he was strongly desirous of seeing with his
+own eyes the pot of gold, and so learning how
+rich the hermit was.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Prejudiced as he was against Mark, he did not
+really believe the boy would appropriate money
+that did not belong to him, though it would have
+been a satisfaction to him to find that his enemy
+was in a scrape.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That boy, Mark, seems to be an artful young
+rascal," Lyman Taylor remarked, as they were
+walking along together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is all of that," said James, emphatically.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My uncle is old, and his mind is weak. He
+is very likely to be influenced by a sharp, unprincipled
+boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's lucky you came down here to watch
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That depends on whether I am able to put a
+spoke in his wheel."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know whether your uncle has much
+money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know, positively, but I have heard he
+was very successful in California."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he is rich, I shouldn't think he would live
+in such a tumble-down cabin," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he has become a miser. His burying
+money looks like it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They entered the wood, and as the boys knew
+their way all over it, they were able to go
+straight to the tree.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was from this tree that old Anthony measured,"
+said James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can you tell in what direction?" inquired
+Lyman, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This way, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know how far?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not exactly, but we can tell by seeing where
+the ground has been disturbed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor took the spade and began to dig
+vigorously. Such hard work was not generally
+to his taste, but now he was spurred by a powerful
+motive.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He would not have been sorry, now that he had
+obtained the information he required, if the
+boys had left him to work alone. But this they
+had no intention of doing. They were very curious
+to see the treasure unearthed, and ascertain
+how much there was.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At length, the spade struck the earthen pot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've touched it!" exclaimed Lyman, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He worked with redoubled energy, and soon laid
+bare the buried vessel.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boys drew near, eagerly, and looked into
+the hole.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman threw himself down upon his knees,
+and removed the cover of the jar. No sooner
+had he done so, when he uttered a fierce cry of
+disappointment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Boys," he said, looking up with haggard
+face, "there's nothing there!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No gold in the jar?" asked James, with a
+blank look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not a particle. Are you sure there was any
+left?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We couldn't see, but it stands to reason that
+it would not have been so carefully covered up
+unless there had been some left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right there. Now, what has become
+of it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can Mark have taken it?" said James, turning
+to Tom.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know," answered Tom, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's just what happened. I'd like to wring
+the young rascal's neck," said Lyman, fiercely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are you going to do about it?" asked
+James, curiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I say, boys, it's pretty hard luck," complained
+Lyman, "to see yourself robbed by an artful
+young scoundrel. He's just taken in Uncle Anthony
+by his artful ways, and is laying a trap
+for his money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I see now," said James, quickly. "That's
+what he meant by not caring about losing his
+place in my father's shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll go and warn my uncle against him," said
+Lyman. "Boys, will you show me the shortest
+way to the cabin?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly, with pleasure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Pleased with the idea of getting Mark into a
+scrape, James guided the disappointed nephew to
+the hermit's dwelling.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch19' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIX. <br /> THE HERMIT RECEIVES A CALL.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Old</span> Anthony was sitting in his doorway,
+thoughtfully smoking a pipe, when, chancing to
+lift his eyes, his gaze fell upon the figure of his
+nephew advancing towards the cabin. It was a
+surprise, and not a pleasant one. He could not
+divine Lyman's object in making this second
+visit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How are you getting along, Uncle Anthony?"
+inquired Lyman, in a conciliatory tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you come all the way from New York
+to ask me that question?" said the hermit,
+dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, not altogether. Still, I wanted to
+know whether you were better."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have got over my rheumatic attack," said
+Anthony, shortly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm very glad. At your age it must be uncomfortable
+to be sick—especially in such a place.
+Can't I persuade you to come to New York, and
+take comfortable lodgings?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why should you desire it? Perhaps you
+would propose to live with me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And if I did, being your only relative, it would
+be natural enough. With your means——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you know of my means?" demanded
+the hermit, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have reason to think you are better off
+than your position would indicate," announced
+Lyman, watching the effect of the assertion on
+his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What reason?" inquired Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, I know you were very successful in
+California—after I left you. You struck it rich,
+made a great deal of money, and then sold the
+claim for a good round sum."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Anthony's countenance did not change, though
+the communication was by no means a welcome
+one.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much of this money do you think I have
+now?" he asked, at length.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I don't propose to tell you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know you have some of it!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very possibly. I cannot live for nothing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I know where you keep it," added Lyman,
+provoked by his uncle's manner.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Indeed!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I can't commend your prudence in putting
+your money where it is so likely to be found—and
+taken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Be a little more explicit. Let me know just
+what you mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Burying money in the ground is not very
+wise."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony was taken by surprise, and showed
+it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you know this? Where did you obtain
+the information?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"From some one who saw you and the boy,
+Mark, digging for it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well," said the old man, quietly, "I know of
+no better place. People are honest round here,
+and it will not be taken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I agree with you there, Uncle Anthony. It
+won't be taken for a very good reason. There is
+none there. The jar is empty."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How do you know this, Lyman?" demanded
+the hermit, with a searching look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman hesitated, but it seemed necessary to
+tell the truth.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because, when I learned that you had been
+so imprudent as to let the boy into your secret, I
+concluded at once that he would take advantage
+of his knowledge, and rob you. I therefore uncovered
+the place, and found it as I suspected.
+The jar is empty."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony betrayed no excitement on hearing
+this.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is quite true," he said, quietly. "All the
+gold has been taken."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You knew this?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly. I took the last gold piece myself.
+Having no occasion for the jar, I left it there.
+You are certainly very kind to take so much
+interest in the safety of my property, but it is
+needless. I am still able to take care of what
+money I have left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman's face fell. He began to suspect that
+this was only too true.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch20' class='c007'>CHAPTER XX. <br /> HOW LYMAN SUCCEEDED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>I am</span> afraid you misjudge me, Uncle Anthony,"
+said Lyman, after a pause, during which
+he reflected that his best course was, if possible,
+to make a favorable impression upon the relative
+who might be in possession of considerable
+property. "I am afraid that you are prejudiced
+against me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must admit that I have reason," said
+his uncle, dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is true," replied Lyman, with an engaging
+frankness; "I did not treat you well in California."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should say not. You disappeared, carrying
+away two thousand dollars, leaving me penniless."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course I was wrong. Still you had the
+claim, out of which you made a good deal more
+within a short time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When you left me," said the hermit, quietly,
+"it looked as if it were worthless. That it
+proved otherwise, was my good fortune."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't argue the matter, Uncle Anthony. I
+was young and heedless."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wicked would be a better word."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I have had bad luck; I am almost penniless
+now. If you would be willing to help
+me——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To what extent do you want help?" asked
+Anthony, abruptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you could lend me fifty dollars, it would
+set me on my feet."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And in a week or two you would be coming
+back for more."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Upon my honor——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much honor have you?" asked his
+uncle, contemptuously. "Would you like to go
+West?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I will give you the means of getting
+there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman was under the impression that his uncle
+proposed to hand him a sum of money, out of
+which he decided to buy a western ticket if it
+suited his convenience; Uncle Anthony would
+be none the wiser.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, uncle, if you will give me a hundred
+dollars, I will go to Chicago, and seek there a
+chance to make an honest livelihood."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony took out a memorandum book,
+tore a leaf from it, and wrote a few lines, which
+he handed to his nephew.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is this?" asked Lyman, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is an order on a friend of mine in New
+York for a Chicago railroad ticket."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And the money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He will give you an order on a firm in Chicago
+for the balance of the money, which will be
+paid you there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman's countenance fell. It was clear that
+the trick which he intended to play on his uncle
+would be impossible.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It seems to me," he said, "it would be better
+to give me the money at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope you have no suspicions of my good
+faith."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I won't express my opinion on that subject.
+I will only say that the arrangement I have
+suggested suits me best."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well," said Lyman, slowly, "I will try to
+win your good opinion. I am afraid I have not
+money enough to get back to the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had over ten dollars in his pocket at that
+moment, but it struck him that he had a good
+excuse for securing a little more.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit smiled contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then suppose I had had no money to give you—how
+would you have got back to the city?
+Perhaps you meant to stay with me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will, Uncle Anthony, if you desire it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you. I won't trouble you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should have had to walk back. But, uncle,
+I can't leave you without a word of warning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That boy, Mark, I am sure is scheming to
+rob you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you know of Mark?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know the reputation he bears in the town.
+I know he has been discharged from the shoe-shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who told you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Two boys whom I met. One is the son of
+Mark's employer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know the boys you mean. They dislike
+Mark, but I prefer him to them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>A noise was heard at the door, and Mark entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He looked in surprise at the visitor, whom he
+instantly recognized.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You see, Mark," said the hermit, "my
+nephew has kindly called to see me again. He
+felt anxious about my health."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I feel relieved to find you so much better,
+uncle," said Lyman, by no means abashed at the
+hermit's ironical words.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is the more creditable to him, this solicitude,
+because he had only money enough to pay
+his fare one way. Mark, you may give him five
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well, sir,"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark drew a five-dollar gold piece from his
+pocket, and handed it to Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does Mark carry all your money, uncle?"
+asked Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not quite all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope he won't take a fancy to travel at
+your expense."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark's face flushed indignantly, but he left old
+Anthony to answer for him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have perfect confidence in Mark," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir," Mark responded, gratefully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you anything for me to do this morning?"
+the boy asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I will give you a list of articles which
+you may bring me from the village to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I will return, as I have some work to
+do at home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will go along with you, Mark," said Lyman,
+suddenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you wish," answered Mark, but he would
+rather have gone alone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good-by, Uncle Anthony. It may be a good
+while before I see you again. If you need me at
+any time, write or telegraph."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will bear it in mind," said the old man,
+dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark and the dutiful nephew left the cabin
+together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You've got a soft place, youngster," Lyman
+began.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have an easy place, and a kind employer,"
+said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you carry the old man's money, hey?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Some of it," answered Mark, eying his companion,
+suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't looked scared, boy. I'm not going to
+rob you. I only want to ask you a few questions.
+How much money did you and he take from that
+buried jar the other day?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who told you about it?" asked Mark, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"O, I know more about the old man's affairs
+than you suppose," chuckled Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't tell you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Won't, you mean," returned Lyman, scowling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have no right to do so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, boy, do you know that I am my
+uncle's heir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He never told me so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I tell you so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear you, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll tell you something else. I believe you are
+trying to worm yourself into my uncle's confidence,
+so as to rob him—and me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your thinking so doesn't make it so," said
+Mark, angrily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I warn you that you had better think twice
+before you play such a dangerous game. You
+have a bad reputation in the village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who told you so?" demanded Mark, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Two of your companions."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"James Collins and Tom Wyman probably!"
+said Mark, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know you were discharged from your place
+in the shoe-shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But for no good reason."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's what you say. How much money of
+my uncle's have you in your pocket?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That I don't choose to tell," said Mark, firmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman felt a strong inclination to take the
+money by force, but prudence restrained him.
+In that case, the order which he carried would
+not be honored, and he would probably lose more
+than he would gain.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was apprehensive of an attack, and it
+was with joy that he caught sight a little way in
+advance of James and Tom, whom under other
+circumstances he would not have cared to meet.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You will now have company," he said, "and
+I will hurry along."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman did not oppose his purpose, and joined
+the two boys.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch21' class='c007'>CHAPTER XIX. <br /> ALL ABOARD FOR NEW YORK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>The</span> next day Mark found a letter in the post-office
+directed to Anthony Taylor. According to
+custom it appeared in a written list containing
+the letters of those who had no boxes.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark called for it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is Anthony Taylor?" asked Tom Wyman,
+who happened to be attending the office for
+his father.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony," as the boys call him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if there's money in it!" said Tom,
+holding up the letter, and trying to peep inside.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's none of our business," answered
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, you're mighty virtuous!" sneered Tom.
+"If there is any money, I'll bet you'll get a share
+of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I get no money except my wages."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much does he pay you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would rather not tell," returned Mark, with
+a smile. "You might try to get my place
+away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As if I would work for an old tramp like the
+hermit!" exclaimed Tom, disdainfully. "I suppose
+he pays you about a dollar a week."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's better than doing nothing, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it's better for you. I don't want your
+place. I shall go to the city when my school days
+are over."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wish you good luck, Tom, whenever you
+do," said Mark, good-naturedly. "I must hurry
+along with my letter."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A letter for you, Mr. Taylor," announced
+Mark, as he entered the cabin.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"From John Hardy," said the hermit, as he
+scanned the address.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He opened the letter and read as follows:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>My Dear Old Friend</span>: Your will is drafted
+and ready for signature. You had better come
+up to the city, and sign it. I know your reluctance
+to leave your forest home, but it will
+occur to you at once that your signature must
+be witnessed, and though witnesses might be
+found in Pocasset, it would involve a degree of
+publicity which I presume you would wish to
+avoid. Here I can easily get it witnessed by my
+clerks.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"I suggest that you bring the boy, Mark, with
+you, as he may be of service to you. Moreover,
+I think it is high time that we spoke to him of
+the mission on which you propose to send him.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"Your worthy nephew, Lyman, called upon me
+to-day with your letter. He wished me to furnish
+him with the money needed for his ticket,
+but I thought it better to send a clerk to purchase
+the ticket, and see him fairly off. He has just
+returned, and reports that Lyman is on the way
+to Chicago. I think you showed considerable
+shrewdness in securing his removal from this
+neighborhood. He may return, to be sure, but
+the chances are that he will spend all the money,
+and find himself stranded in Chicago. If this
+compels him to work for a living, no harm will
+result.</p>
+<div class='lg-container-r c016'>
+  <div class='linegroup'>
+    <div class='group'>
+      <div class='line'>"Your friend as ever.</div>
+      <div class='line'>"<span class='sc'>John Hardy.</span>"</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony laid down the letter thoughtfully.
+He was reluctant to go to New York, but saw
+that it was necessary. His reluctance was diminished
+by the prospect of having Mark's company.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark," he said, "can you go to New York
+with me to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark stared at his employer in amazement.
+The proposal was very unexpected.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am obliged to go up on business," explained
+the hermit. "I wish I could delegate it to you,
+but I must attend to it myself. It is so long
+since I have been in a crowd, that I believe I
+shall need some one to take care of me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be very happy to accompany you, sir,"
+said Mark, with alacrity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At what time does the morning train leave
+the station?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nine o'clock, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then meet me there at fifteen minutes before
+the hour."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When shall we return?" asked Mark, after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When does the afternoon train leave the
+city?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At three o'clock."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We will return then."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I only wanted to tell my mother when to expect
+me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It must be admitted that old Anthony looked
+like an antediluvian figure in his old-fashioned
+coat, with a short waist and long tails, as he
+stood on the platform the next morning waiting
+for the train. Two or three of the village boys
+laughed rudely, but the hermit was buried in
+thought, and took no notice of them. Mark,
+himself, thought his employer looked queer, but
+he saw nothing to laugh at.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you going to town with old Anthony?"
+asked one of the boys.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"People will take him for your grandfather."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't mind."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He looks like a rusty old tramp. His coat
+looks as if it was made in the year one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has a right to consult his own taste. He
+has been kind to me, and I don't care to listen to
+any rude remarks."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may buy two tickets, Mark," said the
+hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark did so.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Just as he was leaving the ticket-window, his
+former employer, Mr. Collins, the shoe manufacturer,
+took his place.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you going to the city?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who goes with you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The—the hermit."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh!" returned the manufacturer, arching his
+brows, "are you working for him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You might have been working for me, if you
+had behaved yourself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am satisfied with the change," answered
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That boy is impertinent," soliloquized the village
+magnate. "He can't get much pay from a
+pauper. However, it serves him right. Of
+course, it is only pride that makes him profess to
+be satisfied."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark would have been surprised, had he known
+that Mr. Collins was going up to the city to call
+upon the person with whom the hermit had business.
+Such was the fact, however. Mr. Collins
+had applied to Mr. Hardy for a sum of four
+thousand dollars, mortgaging therefor, his large
+shoe manufactory, which had originally cost
+double this sum.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>As Mr. Hardy told old Anthony, he had ventured
+into Wall Street, and the losses he had incurred
+there, had forced him to raise money in
+this way.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>To-day had been fixed by Mr. Hardy for the
+execution of the papers, and the transfer of the
+sum required. Twelve o'clock was the hour appointed
+by Mr. Hardy, for his business with the
+manufacturer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What on earth can carry that old scarecrow
+up to New York?" thought Mr. Collins, as he
+eyed curiously old Anthony, who, with Mark,
+was seated a few steps in front of him, in the
+same car. "I suppose he has a pension from
+some source, and is going to collect it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It may be remarked that James Collins had
+never communicated to his father the discovery
+made in the forest, connected with the pot of
+gold.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch22' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXII. <br /> IN AN OFFICE ON BROADWAY.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mr. Hardy's</span> office was in a large, high building,
+on Broadway. It was the fifth floor, but
+there was an elevator constantly running, which
+made it nearly as easy of access as if it had been
+on the first.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had never before ridden in an elevator,
+and he enjoyed the novelty of it. From a directory,
+near the entrance, they ascertained that
+Mr. Hardy occupied office No. 55, and this was
+easily found.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Welcome to New York," said the agent, advancing
+cordially, to greet his visitors. "Good
+morning, Mark. So you have piloted my old
+friend safely."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think he has piloted me, sir. I know very
+little of the city."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have not been here for five years," said
+Anthony, reflectively. "I am unused to the
+noise, and it confuses me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I like it," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are young, and enjoy new and busy
+scenes," said Mr. Hardy. "Would you like to
+travel?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very much, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps you may some time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid it will be a long time before I am
+able."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Possibly not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, however, did not detect any special
+significance in these words.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You may sit down here, and read a morning
+paper, Mark," said the agent, "while I transact
+a little business with Mr. Taylor."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The two entered an inner office, where Mr.
+Hardy produced an official-looking document, to
+which he called the attention of the hermit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Read it over," he said, "and see if it meets
+your views."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Precisely," answered Anthony, after he had
+taken the time necessary to read it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then it may as well be signed at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Hardy summoned three clerks from the
+outer office, and in their presence as witnesses
+the will was signed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose I may as well leave the document
+with you, John," said Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be as well. Now, about the other
+matter. It seems to me you may as well send
+Mark at once in search of some clue to the possible
+existence of a grandchild. Before doing so,
+however, may I suggest something?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't like the idea of your living in that
+lonely cabin. Why can't you seek a home in the
+house of your young secretary? Has he a good
+mother?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She is a very worthy woman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has she a room for you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you think of my proposal?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have been thinking of such a change myself.
+For the first time in five years I am beginning
+to find my cabin home monotonous."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad to hear it. You will be much better
+off in a home where you can be taken care
+of."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will attend to the matter without delay on
+my return."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So far, so good. Now, let me call in Mark,
+and speak to him of our plan."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, at the summons, entered the back
+office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark," said Mr. Hardy, "we want you to
+take a journey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be very glad to do so, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be a long one."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The longer the better," answered Mark, his
+eyes sparkling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your first stopping place will be Chicago."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should like nothing better," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The commission will be to trace out Mr. Taylor's
+daughter, and find out whether she left a
+child. Necessary instructions will be given in
+writing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think I am old enough?" asked Mark,
+excited but doubtful whether he was competent
+for the duty assigned him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Discretion is more needful than age," answered
+Mr. Hardy. "Perhaps an older messenger
+would be better, but as my friend wishes to
+avoid publicity, he is disposed to try you. Would
+your mother be willing to have you go?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so, sir, but I hate to leave her
+alone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mr. Taylor proposes to board with her while
+you are absent, if you think she would be willing
+to receive him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know she would be glad to secure such a
+boarder," answered Mark, quickly; "with that
+help she would be able to get along very well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then that matter is probably settled. Now
+a few words to guide you in your quest."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>These words need not be repeated here, as in
+following Mark's journey it will be understood
+what they were.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Their business concluded, Mark and the hermit
+left the office and descended to the ground floor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They were just leaving the building when
+Squire Collins entered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He arched his brows in surprise. "You here?"
+he said, addressing Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"On what errand?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was privately of opinion that he had as
+much right to ask the manufacturer's business
+as the latter his, but he answered: "Mr. Taylor
+had business here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins smiled contemptuously. It did
+not strike him that the hermit's business was
+likely to be of any great moment. So people
+often deceive themselves and assume a superiority
+to which they have little claim.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably old Anthony has just been paid his
+pension," he thought, as he left them, and made
+his way to the elevator.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He, too, ascended to the fifth floor, and leaving
+it there went to John Hardy's office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mr. Collins," said Hardy.
+He knew nothing of the manufacturer's home
+title. "I shall be at leisure in five minutes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The five minutes passed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now I am at your service," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you decided to let me have the money,
+Mr. Hardy?" asked the manufacturer, trying to
+conceal his anxiety.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Taking as security a mortgage on your manufactory?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I can let you have it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins looked much relieved.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You will find the security ample," he said.
+"The building is worth double the sum I am
+borrowing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is it well insured?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The policies of insurance must be placed in
+my hands."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I have to take all precautions, as the money
+is not mine, but belongs to a boy for whom I am
+trustee."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I see."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins had no curiosity as to the name
+of the boy referred to. He would have been very
+much amazed had he been told that it was the
+very boy whom he had discharged from his employment
+only a short time previous. For that
+matter, Mark would have been quite as much
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In the course of half an hour the proper papers
+had been made out, a check for four thousand
+dollars handed to Squire Collins, and the shoe
+manufacturer left the office in as good spirits as
+Mark had done half an hour before.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By-the-way," remarked the Squire at his
+supper table that evening, "I met two persons
+from Pocasset in the city to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who were they?" asked James.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Old Anthony and Mark Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What could have taken them to the city?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I presume Anthony receives a small pension
+from some source, and went up to collect it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it very likely," said James, thinking
+of what he had seen in the forest. "I presume
+it isn't much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably not."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't think he'd have gone to the expense
+of taking Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The old man looked dazed. I presume he
+doesn't feel safe in going alone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very likely Mark asked to go. He's fastened
+himself on the old man, and means to get all he
+can out of him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It is wonderful how prejudice colors our
+opinion of others.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch23' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIII. <br /> MARK'S MISSION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Three</span> days later, two things puzzled the good
+people of Pocasset. One was the removal of old
+Anthony from his lonely cabin to the small but
+comfortable cottage of Mrs. Manning. It was
+voted by the village people a very sensible move,
+but they were at a loss to understand how the
+recluse had been persuaded to change his mode of
+life. It was generally supposed that he was quite
+poor, but the two or three dollars a week he
+would be able to pay the widow would be a help.
+A room on the second floor was appropriated to
+old Anthony, where he spent much of his time.
+Every day, however, he wandered off to the
+woods, which had been his residence for several
+years. Though he said little, he was soon convinced
+that he had bettered himself by his removal.
+Mrs. Manning provided plain, well-cooked
+meals, which were far more attractive
+than the extemporized lunches with which he had
+thus far been content.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There was another circumstance, however, that
+equally puzzled the good people of the village.
+This was the disappearance of Mark. He was
+no longer seen walking about the streets, and
+many were the inquiries made of his mother as to
+where he had gone. At the request of old Anthony
+she answered very indefinitely. She could not
+tell just where Mark was, but he was employed.
+He would probably be home in a few
+weeks.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Among those whose curiosity was most keen
+were James Collins and Tom Wyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where do you think Mark has gone?" said
+James one day, throwing away a half-smoked
+cigarette.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know any more than the man in the
+moon," answered Tom. "I asked his mother the
+other day when I met her in the street, but I
+couldn't get any satisfaction out of her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he has gone to the city in search of
+a place."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He can't get anything to do here. Father
+won't take him back into the shop."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He was at work for old Anthony."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That couldn't amount to much. The hermit
+is as poor as Job's turkey."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know this? How about the gold we
+saw?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was all he had," said James, who was in
+the habit of jumping at conclusions. "My father
+says he gets a small pension from some person in
+the city. Some rich relative, I suppose, is taking
+care of him. Do you know, Tom, I should be
+glad to come across Mark blacking boots, or selling
+papers in the city?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is so mighty independent—poor and proud—that
+I believe he actually thinks himself as
+good as you or I."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He is pretty pert, that's a fact."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he were only humble, and showed that he
+knew his place, I'd get father to take him back
+into the shop. It's his own fault that he got
+discharged."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's a good thing for his mother having a
+boarder, as Mark isn't able to help her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pooh! what does that amount to? He probably
+pays two or three dollars a week. However,
+I suppose that's a good deal to her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark would have been amused, but not surprised,
+if he could have heard this conversation between
+his two old companions. At present, however,
+he had other things to occupy his attention.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had already reached Chicago and was staying
+there a day or two before going farther.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>His ultimate destination was Claremont, in
+Indiana, the place where the daughter of the
+hermit was understood to have died. It was about
+seventy-five miles from Chicago, and could be
+reached in three hours. Mark felt that he could
+do no better in his brief stay in Chicago than walk
+about, and make himself familiar with the principal
+streets and avenues, and gain some knowledge
+of the western metropolis.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He kept his eyes wide open, and noticed all
+that came in his way. Everywhere throngs of
+busy wayfarers, and not one of whom he had
+ever seen before. It seemed strange to him, for
+in Pocasset he knew everybody.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The world is larger than I thought," he reflected,
+"and there are more people in it. I wish
+I could see one familiar face."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He had hardly formulated the wish when his
+glance rested on a form that seemed strangely
+familiar. It was a man, tall, slender, with a
+slouching gait.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That must be Lyman Taylor," he decided,
+with a natural start of astonishment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was indeed the man whom he had last seen
+in the woods at Pocasset. He had not thought
+to meet him, though he remembered now to have
+heard that Lyman had been sent to the West by
+his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>On the whole, Mark was not as much pleased as
+he expected to see this familiar face. He did not
+care to be recognized, as Lyman might have his
+curiosity excited, and make him trouble.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Suddenly Lyman turned, and his glance fell
+upon Mark. The boy lowered his head, and
+walked on without notice. Lyman did not recognize
+him, though he was vaguely conscious of
+something familiar in Mark's appearance. But
+before he left New York, Mark had been provided
+with a new check traveling suit, and a hat of a
+different style from the one he was accustomed
+to wear.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Moreover, Lyman had no thought of meeting
+the country boy in a western city. So he turned
+his glance in a different direction, and descended
+the steps that led to a basement pool and billiard
+room.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would follow him down there, if I dared
+risk discovery," thought Mark. "However, it is
+none of my business what he does, as long as he
+doesn't annoy his uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor would have been glad to see
+Mark, or any one else representing his uncle.
+The sum he had brought away with him had
+nearly all melted away, and his prospects were
+by no means brilliant. The thought of engaging
+in any employment by which he might earn an
+honest and independent livelihood was by no
+means attractive to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In the afternoon of the second day Mark started
+by train for Claremont, and arrived at the Claremont
+Hotel in time for supper.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He found Claremont to be a fair sized town,
+containing perhaps four thousand inhabitants.
+It seemed to be growing rapidly, like most western
+towns favorably situated. After a comfortable
+supper he bethought himself of whom he could
+make inquiries as to the object of his journey.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>As he sat in the office, a tall man, with long
+hair, and a look of speculation in his eyes accosted
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you just arrived in town, young man?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you calculatin' to settle here?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; I am only here on a little business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Drummer, I reckon!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; I do not represent any business
+house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You do look rather young for a drummer,
+but you said you were travelin' on business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My business is of a different nature, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just so! if I can help you, I will. I am Colonel
+Enoch Tarbox, well-known hereabouts."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you for your offer. If you will allow
+me, I will ask you one or two questions."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Go ahead, young man; I'm ready to give
+you any information in my power."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am in search of a family named Ransom,
+who lived here some years ago."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"John Ransom?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't find him; he's dead."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I have heard. Did you know him or his
+wife?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've drank with John Ransom many a time
+at this very bar. He was rather fond of a social
+glass."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you know his wife?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've seen her often. She's dead too. They
+both died of a fever."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose they had no children," said Mark,
+putting the question anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Let me see," said the colonel slowly, evidently
+searching his memory; "yes, I believe there was
+a child, a little boy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is he alive?" asked Mark eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There you've got me, stranger. Children
+ain't much in my line. I never heerd of Ransom's
+child dying. I reckon it left town though."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where could I get any information about it,
+do you think?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Colonel Tarbox reflected.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I reckon you'd better go to Mrs. Finn; she
+was intimate with Mrs. Ransom. She lives in
+the little white cottage alongside of the Presbyterian
+church."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Colonel Tarbox; I am much indebted
+to you for what you have told me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't mention it. Won't you take a drink?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This kind offer Mark declined rather to the
+colonel's dissatisfaction. He decided to call upon
+Mrs. Finn the next day.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch24' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIV. <br /> WHAT MARK DISCOVERED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>As</span> the clock on the Presbyterian church struck
+nine, Mark stood knocking at the door of the
+little cottage hard by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The door was opened by a comely woman of
+middle age, who, not recognizing Mark, looked
+at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can I do for you?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My name is Mark Manning," said Mark, introducing
+himself. "I have been directed to
+you as likely to give me some information about
+Mrs. Ransom, who—"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, yes," interrupted Mrs. Finn, not waiting
+for Mark to finish his sentence. "Poor dear!
+I know all about her. Come in, do!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She led the way into the neat sitting-room,
+where she invited Mark to be seated. Then she
+changed parts with Mark and began to ask questions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you related to Mrs. Ransom?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No," answered Mark, "but I come from one
+who is."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Alas, it is too late! The poor woman is dead."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I know that, but did she leave a child?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, a little boy. She sat great store by
+little Jack."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what has become of him?" asked Mark,
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is more than I can tell. A tall gentleman—I
+don't rightly know his name—appeared
+at the funeral, said he was a relation, and took
+off little Jack to St. Louis, I think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A tall gentleman—a relation!" repeated
+Mark, surprised. "What was his appearance?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was destined to be surprised, for Mrs.
+Finn's description tallied exactly with the appearance
+of Lyman Taylor. This was a surprising
+discovery. Mark was sharp enough to guess
+that Lyman's object was to remove from his
+path any rival claimant to his uncle's property,
+supposing him to possess any.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I know who you mean," he said, after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was it really a relation of Mrs. Ransom?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If it was the one I suppose, it was her cousin."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad to hear it. Then poor Jack was
+taken care of."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not sure about that," said Mark, gravely.
+"Though a relative, he is a selfish, bad man, and
+I am afraid he meant the poor boy no good."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good gracious!" exclaimed Mrs. Finn,
+startled, "you don't think he would murder the
+innocent child?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't think that, but I think he wanted
+to put him where his grandfather would never
+find him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is it his grandfather you come from, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he does not even know of his grandchild's
+existence, but if I find him, the boy will
+never need any other protector. Can you tell me
+anything of Mrs. Ransom—of her husband?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor Mrs. Ransom was a sweet woman, who
+deserved a better fate. As for her husband, he
+was a drunkard, and a loafer. Those are hard
+words, but he deserved them both. They hadn't
+much money, but what there was he spent for
+liquor at the hotel yonder. More than once his
+poor wife and little child wouldn't have had any
+breakfast if I hadn't taken some over."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>And warm-hearted Mrs. Finn wiped away a
+tear.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did her husband treat her very badly? Did
+he beat her?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid he did when he was very far gone,
+but, poor thing! she never complained. She
+always looked sad, though, and she didn't enjoy
+her life very much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did she ever speak of her father?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Once only. She told me she had ill-treated,
+him, and been a disobedient daughter. I think
+it was in marrying Ransom."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did she ever write to him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She told me she did once, but never received
+an answer. 'He won't forgive me,' she said, with
+a sigh, and never wrote again."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am sure he did not receive the letter, Mrs.
+Finn. If he had, he would have noticed it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so; at any rate she was sadder than
+ever when no letter came to her in return. Finally,
+her husband took sick with a fever. Bad as he
+had been to her, she nursed him like a devoted
+wife as she was. But she couldn't save him.
+Hardly was he dead, when she, too, caught sick,
+and in the end she died. While she was sick I
+took little Jack home, for fear he would catch the
+fever too. I was thinking of adopting him after
+his mother's death, when the man I spoke of called
+and took away the boy, saying he would provide
+for him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And that was—how many years ago?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nearly six, I think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I suppose you have neither seen nor
+heard of him since?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Finn shook her head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where does little Jack's grandfather live?"
+she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Near New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is he a rich man?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Moderately rich. He is well able to take care
+of his grandson, if he could find him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wish I could tell you more, I am sure," said
+Mrs. Finn heartily. "If the poor boy yet lives,
+Heaven knows what his condition may be. If
+you could find the man that took him away——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can," answered Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then why don't you go to him, and ask him
+where to find the child?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because it is against his interests to have
+him found. He and the little boy are the only
+heirs to the grandfather's property. His uncle
+has good reason to dislike him, and if the boy is
+found, Lyman Taylor will get nothing, I feel sure."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, well! What wickedness there is in the
+world!" ejaculated Mrs. Finn. "What will you
+do?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know. I shall have to consider."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did the grandfather send you out here?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Excuse my remarking that you are very
+young to undertake such a responsible task."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so myself, Mrs. Finn," Mark answered,
+modestly. "But it so happened that he hadn't
+much choice. I shall do my best, and if I can't
+find him, I shall go home and report, and advise
+Mr. Taylor to send an older and more competent
+person."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't be offended by what I said?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly not. Any one would think as you
+do. Is there any other information you can give
+me, Mrs. Finn?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Finn shook her head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid not," she said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are sure the boy was carried to St.
+Louis?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite certain."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I might go to St. Louis, but without any clue
+I am afraid I should stand little chance of succeeding."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You might advertise."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is true," said Mark. "Indeed, it appears
+to be the only thing I can do. How old
+would the boy be now?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About eight years old, I think."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark took out a small memorandum book, and
+noted down the small amount of information he
+had obtained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It did not appear to be much, and yet it was of
+great importance. He had ascertained that Mrs.
+Ransom had left a child, and moreover that
+Lyman Taylor had been aware of the fact, and
+had conspired to keep its existence from old
+Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he know where it is now?" Mark asked
+himself.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was inclined to think not. Shortly after
+the boy was carried away, Lyman had gone East,
+got into trouble, and served a term of some years
+in a prison.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>During those years, probably the boy had
+drifted out of his knowledge. Doubtless he could
+furnish a clue, but for obvious reasons, it would
+not do to apply to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am very much obliged to you for your information,"
+said Mark, as he rose to go.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are heartily welcome, sir. Would you
+mind writing me, if you find out anything about
+poor Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will certainly do so, Mrs. Finn. I shall lose
+no time in going to St. Louis."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Heaven speed you, and bring you success,"
+said Mrs. Finn, fervently.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch25' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXV. <br /> THE LITTLE MATCH BOY.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Matches</span>! Matches! Here's your nice
+matches!" was heard in a shrill treble, proceeding
+from a little boy on Clark Street, in Chicago.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He looked thin and pale, and it was easy to
+see the poor little fellow was poorly fed, as well
+as ill-clad.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only five cents a package!" the little fellow
+continued to cry; and he looked wistfully in the
+faces of those who passed him, hoping for a possible
+purchaser.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Clear out of my way there, you brat!" said
+a rough voice. "Do you want to take up the
+whole sidewalk?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The boy shrank timidly, as the man who had
+addressed him swaggered by. He would not
+have dared to resent the rudeness, but another
+did. It was a stout, and healthy-looking woman,
+with a large basket on her arm, whose heart
+warmed towards the poor little match boy, sent
+out so early to earn his livelihood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You ought to be ashamed to speak to the
+poor boy that way!" she said, warmly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mind your business, woman!" retorted Lyman
+Taylor, for it was he whose rough speech
+had been quoted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I always do," said the woman. "It's my
+business to speak my mind to such brutes as
+you!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman vented his wrath in a volley of oaths,
+for his language was by no means choice, when
+his anger was excited. He might have been
+more prudent, if he had known that a policeman
+was just behind.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Stop that, my man, unless you want me to
+take you in!" said the burly officer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor turned sharply round, but
+quailed when he saw the officer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This woman has insulted me," he said, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I just spoke to him for abusin' that poor
+match boy," said the good woman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard it all," said the officer. "Move on,
+my man, and behave yourself, if you don't want
+to get into trouble."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Such a scene was sure to attract a small crowd.
+One kind-hearted man drew out a dime from his
+pocket and handed it to the match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here, my lad," he said; "take this, and
+I hope it'll do you good."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here are two boxes of matches for you, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, keep them. I give you the money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here's another dime," said a young man, of
+literary aspect. He was a reporter on one of the
+Chicago daily papers, who, in spite of the cases of
+poverty and privation that came under his notice
+every day, still preserved a warm and sympathetic
+heart.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then a lady followed his example, and in the
+end, the match boy had received a sum much
+larger than the value of his small stock-in-trade.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor's rudeness had proved to him a
+piece of good luck, in opening the hearts of those
+who would otherwise have passed him by without
+notice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Smiling with pleasure at the child's good fortune,
+the good woman who had resented Lyman's
+rudeness so warmly, went on her way. If all
+had hearts as warm, there would be little misery
+or suffering in the world. It is often those who
+have little, that are most ready to help others
+poorer than themselves. I must not omit to add,
+that among the contributors to the little match boy's
+fund was the policeman, who placed a
+nickel in his hands, with the admonition to
+"brace up and be a good boy!" This was true
+charity, for out of his salary the officer had to
+support a large family of his own, and therefore
+had very few nickels to spare. He was bluff of
+aspect, but kind of heart.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's a shame to send out such a child on the
+streets," he said to himself. "Think of my Rob
+having to lead such a life!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The policeman looked sober, for, should anything
+happen to him, as in his exposed life might
+very well happen, he knew not what would be
+the fate of his little ones. They might be as
+badly off as the poor match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The little match boy's thin face showed signs of
+satisfaction as he looked at the collection of small
+coins which had been given him by the pitying
+crowd. He turned into an alleyway and counted
+it. It amounted to seventy-six cents. This was
+a phenomenal sum for the small merchant. And
+the best of it was, he had his stock of merchandise
+left.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>A thought entered the little boy's mind,
+prompted by his craving for food.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would it be wrong for me to take a little of
+this money and buy me some dinner?" he said to
+himself. "I am <i>so</i> hungry. Aunt Peggy only
+gave me a slice of bread for breakfast, and it's
+most two o'clock now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Only a slice of bread, and he had been walking
+about for hours, trying to sell matches. The
+fruit of all his labor was the sale of two boxes at
+five cents each. But he had seventy-six cents
+besides, and they were his. They had not been
+given to Aunt Peggy, but to him. So, at least,
+he reasoned. Not that he meant to keep it all
+himself. He intended to give the greater part to
+the woman who was the only guardian he knew,
+but he thought he had a right to use fifteen
+cents for himself. It wasn't much, but he knew
+a place—a cheap place—where for this sum he
+could get a cup of coffee and a plate of beefsteak.
+At the thought of this delicious repast the match
+boy's mouth watered. When had he eaten
+meat? Three days ago Peggy had given him a
+bone to pick. There was not much on it, but
+when he had got through with it there was none
+at all.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny could not resist the temptation. He
+suspended sales, and made his way to a cheap
+restaurant on a side street. With eager steps he
+entered, and sat down at a wooden table from
+which nearly all the paint had been worn off, and
+scanned the bill of fare.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It seemed to him that there was nothing better
+than the dish he had already mentally selected.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>A greasy looking waiter approached, and said
+sharply, "What'll you have, kid?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Cup o' coffee an' plate of beefsteak!" answered
+Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sure yer got money enough to pay for it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have asked for it if I hadn't," said
+Johnny, emboldened by his unusual wealth.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right, then! Sometimes chaps come in
+and order their dinner, and skip off before it
+comes time to pay."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The greasy looking waiter went to the back of
+the room, and soon returned with the banquet
+Johnny ordered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He set it down with a jerk.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch26' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVI. <br /> LUCK FAVORS LYMAN.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>No</span> patron of Delmonico's probably ever contemplated
+his sumptuous meal with more satisfaction
+than shone in the little match boy's eyes,
+as he gazed with watering mouth at the overdone,
+tough-looking steak, the mashed potato,
+the three slices of stale bread and dab of butter,
+which furnished the solid material of his meal.
+A cup of muddy coffee completed the bill of fare.
+After all, appetite is the best sauce, and Johnny
+had appetite enough to make his meal seem
+palatable.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny did not stand upon ceremony, but
+"pitched in." It is not an elegant expression,
+but it describes accurately the energy with which
+the boy disposed of his dinner. Ten minutes
+sufficed for its entire disappearance. There was
+not even a crumb left.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That was bully!" said Johnny to himself,
+with a sigh of supreme satisfaction "I wish I
+could have such a lay out every day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But he evidently thought this was unattainable
+happiness. He did not even think of reserving
+from his little fund, enough to provide a similar
+feast on the following day—partly because he was
+an honest little fellow, and partly because he
+stood in fear of the burly woman whom he called
+Aunt Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have Aunt Peggy know I've been
+here for something," he thought.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There seemed little chance of it, but, as ill
+luck would have it, as he was emerging from the
+restaurant, a boy he knew passed with a blacking-box
+on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What have you been doin' in there?" asked
+Tim Roach. "Been havin' yer dinner?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I just got a little to eat," answered Johnny,
+ill at ease.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Got any more money?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then just treat a feller, won't yer? I'll do as
+much for you to-morrer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't, Tim, the money isn't mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't, you mean."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would if the money belonged to me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does Peggy know yer went in there?" asked
+Tim, slyly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't tell her, Tim! I was <i>so</i> hungry."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then treat!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't, Tim!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"All right!" replied Tim, nodding. "I'll let
+Peggy know how you spend her money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Poor Johnny! These last words alarmed him
+terribly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor's stock of money was getting
+low. He was not a good financial manager. But
+even if he had been, he would not have been able
+long to live without work. When his stock of
+ready money was reduced to five dollars, he began
+to consider anxiously where he could obtain
+a further supply. It is not strange that his
+thoughts should have reverted to his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder if Uncle Anthony is well fixed or
+not. He got considerable money in California,
+but may have lost it. The old man is close-mouthed,
+and I can't worm the secret out of him.
+If I had any hold on him——" continued Lyman,
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He sauntered along till he came to a pool-room,
+connected with a cheap hotel, of the kind he
+was in the habit of frequenting. No one chanced
+to be playing, and by way of filling up the time
+he took up a St. Louis paper, and ran his eye
+listlessly over it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>But at one place in the advertising columns,
+his listlessness suddenly vanished, and his face
+assumed a look of eager interest. This was the
+advertisement that attracted his attention:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>Information Wanted.</span>—Any one who can
+give information concerning a child named Jack
+Ransom, who was brought to St. Louis a little
+more than five years since, is desired to communicate
+with Mark Manning, at the Planters' Hotel.
+The boy, if living, is now seven or eight years of
+age."</p>
+<p class='c013'>"Well, I'll be——hanged!" ejaculated Lyman
+Taylor. "How, in the name of all that's mysterious,
+has my uncle got hold of a clue to little
+Jack's existence?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he's sent that country cub—Mark Manning—out
+to investigate. He must be crazy to
+trust a green boy, who has always lived in the
+country.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But what beats me, is how he learned so
+much. I did take the boy to St. Louis, and
+placed him with an old woman, who very likely
+has starved or beaten him to death by this time.
+But suppose she hasn't," continued Lyman, after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose the child is still living. If I could
+only find out, then I would have the hold on my
+uncle that I require. I would kidnap the boy,
+and not part with him under a good round
+sum."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman's face brightened, but only for an instant.
+It was a capital scheme, but how was he
+to get hold of the boy? How did he know if he
+were living?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He would have been amazed if he had known
+that he had seen the boy that very day, selling
+matches in the streets.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>There was one thing, however, that seemed
+clear to Lyman. His uncle must still have a
+comfortable property, or he would not be able to
+send a messenger to St. Louis in search of his
+lost grandson.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The old man may have twenty thousand dollars,
+for aught I know," reflected Lyman; "and
+doesn't spend the income of half that as he lives
+now. No doubt that country boy has an inkling
+of it, and is planning to get hold of it. That boy
+is foxy, and knows what he is about, I'll be
+bound."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This estimate did not exactly agree with the
+one Lyman had recently expressed of Mark, but
+he did not think it necessary to be consistent.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Twenty thousand dollars!" he repeated, and
+his nephew almost starving here in Chicago. Oh,
+it was a cunning scheme to buy me off for a paltry
+sum, and give a free field to that boy. That's
+a pretty way for a man to treat his only living
+relation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But who could have put it into his head that
+his grandson was alive? I presume the little
+beggar has kicked the bucket before this. If I
+only could get hold of him, I would make the
+old man pay handsomely for his return."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The chances, however, did not seem very flattering,
+and Lyman had no money to expend in
+searching for the boy, apart from the doubt
+whether he was still living. Gradually a new
+idea came to him. He might pick up some boy
+who would answer the purpose, whom he could
+palm off on his uncle as his grandson. True, it
+would be raising up a rival heir; but he was thoroughly
+persuaded that in no case did he himself
+stand any chance of succeeding to his uncle's
+property.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It will be worth something," he muttered,
+"to cut out that country boy. All I have to do,
+is to find a boy who is without relatives, and I
+can concoct some story that will impose upon
+Uncle Anthony. That little match boy, for
+instance! Why wouldn't he do?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman became so excited by his castle building,
+that he determined to lose no time in carrying
+out his design. He left the tavern, and
+retraced his steps to the place where he had encountered
+the match boy. Johnny, after eating
+his dinner, had resumed his business, and was
+within a block of the same place offering his
+wares to the passers by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was a little worried by Tim's threat to
+expose his extravagant dinner to the old woman
+with whom he lived, but persistently refused to
+buy off his persecutor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I say, little boy, what's your name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny turned round at these words, and recognized
+in the man addressing him, the one with
+whom he had already had trouble. His face
+showed the fear which he not unnaturally felt.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be frightened, my boy!" said Lyman,
+with an ingratiating smile. "I am afraid I was
+rough to you this morning. Don't mind it! I
+was worried about my business affairs, and
+didn't mean what I said. Shake hands, and let
+us be friends."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>With rather a bewildered look, Johnny allowed
+Lyman to take his small, thin hand, and looked
+perplexed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come, you don't harbor no malice, my lad,
+do you?" said Lyman with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No—o," answered Johnny, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The fact is, I feel an interest in you, my boy.
+You look like a little cousin of mine that I
+haven't seen since he was a baby."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny was more and more puzzled. The
+neglected little match boy was not used to such
+attention.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you ever live in St. Louis?" asked Lyman,
+at a venture.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman opened his eyes in surprise. He had
+not expected such an answer. Even then he did
+not suspect that Chance had led him to the very
+boy whom he desired to meet.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you any father or mother?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny could not understand why his questioner
+should be pleased to hear that he was an
+orphan. Lyman Taylor seemed to him a very
+incomprehensible man. He felt rather uncomfortable
+in his presence, and hoped the man would
+go away, and leave him to attend to his business.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who do you live with, then, sonny?" was
+Lyman's next question.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With my aunt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What is your aunt's name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I always call her Aunt Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"<span class='sc'>What?</span>" exclaimed Lyman, in a tone that
+made the little match boy jump. "You live
+with an old woman named Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is she your aunt?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose so. I always call her Aunt Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's the very boy!" was Lyman's exulting
+thought. "I'm in luck at last. Lyman, old
+man, your plans are going to be realized."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Were you ever called Jack?" he asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; that's what Aunt Peggy calls me.
+Other people call me Johnny."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My boy," said Lyman, fervently, "I can't
+tell you how glad I am to see you. I am sure
+now you are my little cousin. Where does Peggy
+live?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The match boy named the place—a poor street
+in a poor neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take me there at once. I want to see your
+Aunt Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But Peggy will be mad if I don't stay and
+sell matches, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come along; I will make it right with her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman took the little boy's hand, and the two
+turned off Clark Street, and went in pursuit of
+Peggy.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch27' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVII. <br /> OLD PEGGY.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Tim Roach</span> was not only selfish, but liked
+to make mischief. He resolved to be revenged
+upon Johnny for declining to "treat" him to a
+dinner, and having plenty of time on his hands,
+took pains to seek out the humble home tenanted
+by old Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was on the third floor of a tall, shabby brick
+house, not far from the Chicago and Alton depot.
+Tim had been there before, and didn't require directions.
+He ascended the rickety staircase,
+nearly treading on two dirty faced children
+belonging to a neighbor of Peggy's, who were
+playing on the landing. As a third child, older,
+made her appearance, Tim stopped long enough
+to inquire, "Is Peggy at home?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the girl. "She's home, but,
+oh my, ain't she tight!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's nothin' new," said Tim, composedly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He knocked at Peggy's door, and receiving no
+answer, opened it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The old woman had thrown herself on a
+truckle bed at one corner of the room, and was
+breathing noisily with her eyes half closed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is it you, Johnny!" she asked, without turning
+her head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, it's me!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tim Roach."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you want?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've just seed Johnny, Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has he sold many matches? Where is
+he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I seed him in an eatin' house. He was eatin'
+a bully dinner."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What!" exclaimed Peggy, now thoroughly
+roused, raising herself on her elbow. "What's
+that you say, Tim Roach?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tim, quite enjoying the commotion he had
+raised, repeated his information.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he's spendin' my money in fillin' his stomach,
+the little wretch!" exclaimed Peggy.
+"That's why he brings home so little money. The
+ungrateful little imp that I've slaved and slaved
+for these last six years, takin' advantage of a poor
+old woman when her back's turned! Where
+was it, Tim, dear?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tim mentioned the restaurant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what was he eatin', Tim?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He ordered a cup o' coffee and beefsteak—I
+don't know what else he had."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll learn him to chate and decave me!" said
+the old woman, angrily. "He only brought
+home twenty-five cents yesterday, and I takin'
+care of him, and buyin' him close and vittles."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I guess he buys some dinner every day," said
+Tim.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I never to suspect it! Tim, dear,
+you're a good boy to come and tell me. You
+wouldn't treat your best friend that way?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I wouldn't!" said Tim, virtuously.
+"What are you goin' to do to him, Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where's my stick, Tim? Do you see it anywhere?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't," answered Tim, after a search.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Some of them children downstairs must have
+carried it off."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can buy you a cane for ten cents."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And where would the ten cents come from I
+would like to know. I'll bate him wid my fists,
+the ongrateful young kid."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are you goin' to give me for tellin' you,
+Peggy?" asked Tim.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll give you a penny the next time I see
+you," said Peggy, vaguely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That isn't enough. Give me a nickel to buy
+a glass of beer?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I haven't got it, Tim. I wish I had, for I'm
+awful dhry myself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wouldn't have come all the way to tell you
+if I'd know'd that," said Tim, discontentedly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Just then a noise was heard on the stairs, and
+Tim, opening the door wider, looked out.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Here's Johnny now, Peggy!" he said in excitement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Come home the middle of the afternoon, too,
+the young rascal!" ejaculated the old woman.
+"I'll fix him!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So here you are, you young——," commenced
+Peggy, as Johnny made his appearance, but the
+threat with which she was about to conclude,
+died in the utterance, when she saw that Johnny
+was closely followed by a tall man of middle age.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who are you, sir?" she asked irritably, "and
+what brings you here? If you're the agent, I
+haven't got any money for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you remember me, Peggy?" asked
+Lyman, sinking with rare courage into a chair
+which cracked under his weight.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir, I don't. If I had my glasses, perhaps——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I see you've got company, Peggy," continued
+Lyman, with a significant look at Tim. "I
+would like to speak to you alone. It'll be to
+your advantage, mind," he added, detecting a
+suspicious look on the old woman's face. "Just
+send the two boys out to play, and we'll speak
+together."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"First, hand over what money you've got,
+Jack," said Peggy. "I ain't goin' to have you
+wastin' it outside. Let me see your matches!
+How many boxes did you sell?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Five," answered Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Only five!" exclaimed the old woman, holding
+up her hands. "You were playin' in the
+strates, I'll be bound!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I wasn't, Aunt Peggy. I tried to sell
+more, but——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, yes, I understand! And you'd done so
+well you thought you'd buy yourself a dinner
+off my money. Come here and let me shake
+you!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tim told you!" said the little boy, with a reproachful
+look at his betrayer.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, he told me, and he was a good bye for
+doin' it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He said he'd tell if I didn't buy him some,
+too."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is that threu?" asked Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hark to him!" said Tim, with virtuous indignation.
+"It's a lie, and he knows it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you spend all the money, Jack?" demanded
+Peggy. "If you did——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I didn't, Aunt Peggy. Some good people
+gave me some money, and——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was for me, then. How dared you spind it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've brought most of it home, Peggy. See
+here!" and Johnny took out a handful of small
+silver coins and pennies, and poured them into
+the old woman's lap.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy was agreeably surprised. She saw that
+there was nearly a dollar, much more than Johnny
+generally brought home, and it put her in a good
+humor.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You've done well, Jack!" she said. "I won't
+grudge the money you spent for a bit of dinner.
+Now go out and play wid Tim."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't want to play with him. He told on
+me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My lad," said Lyman, "can't you bring a
+bottle of beer for your good aunt and myself.
+Here's money; you can bring back the change."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You go, Jack, for the gentleman," said
+Peggy, quite restored to good humor. "I don't
+mind sayin' that my throat is just parched with
+bein' so dhry."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny went out, and soon returned, for he
+had not far to go. In spite of his company being
+so unwelcome, Tim went and returned with
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Won't you give me a little, Peggy," he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I won't. You wanted Jack to trate you
+on my money. Now clear out, and never let me
+see your ugly face here ag'in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's the thanks I get for tellin' you!"
+complained Tim. "And after runnin' myself
+out of breath, too!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Clear out wid you! And you, Jack, go back
+and see if you can't sell some more matches. It's
+only the middle of the afternoon, and there's
+plenty of time before sunset to sell half-a-dozen
+boxes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Johnny obeyed, not unwillingly, for he was not
+partial to home, nor did he enjoy Peggy's company.
+Tim accompanied him, but Johnny, gentle
+as he was, refused to have anything to say to
+him. Tim felt that he was badly treated.
+Johnny turned his back on him, and Peggy had
+utterly failed to acknowledge the service he had
+rendered her. Tim was of opinion that it was a
+cold world, and that there was little encouragement
+to be virtuous.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch28' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVIII. <br /> LYMAN'S PLAN.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Here's</span> your health, Peggy!" said Lyman,
+emptying his glass.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, sir!" said Peggy, following his
+example. "You're very kind, I'm sure, and I
+ought to remember you, but my memory ain't
+what it was."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you don't remember me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't remimber that I iver set eyes on your
+face before, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you don't remember the man that
+brought you a small child to take care of near
+six years ago?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure it's himself!" ejaculated the old woman,
+peering curiously into Lyman's face. "I
+only saw you twice, and that's why I forgot.
+Shure it was a cruel thrick you played upon a
+poor old woman, when you gave her a baby to
+take care of, and then, five long years never sent
+her even a penny. It's hundreds and hundreds
+of dollars I've spent on little Jack, and he no kin
+to me!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No doubt he has been brought up in the lap of
+luxury! He looks like it," said Lyman with an
+amused smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And now you've come to pay me all I spent
+on the child?" insinuated Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, not just yet. The fact is, Peggy, unavoidable
+circumstances prevented my communicating
+with you, and the same won't admit of my
+paying over the hundreds of dollars that Jack has
+cost you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then what do you want of me?" inquired the
+old woman disappointed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I can see a way by which both of us
+can make something out of the boy. By-the-way,
+it strikes me just at present that he is supporting
+you instead of you taking care of him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He only brings in a few pennies a day," said
+Peggy. "Shure it's hardly enough to pay his
+salt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then Jack must be immoderately fond of salt.
+However, I'll let you into a secret. His grandfather
+is looking for him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"His grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; no doubt you are surprised that Jack
+possesses a grandfather, but that is a fact. His
+grandfather is my uncle, and what is more to the
+purpose he has a fair property."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And little Jack is goin' to be rich?" gasped
+Peggy in amazement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, I don't know! That depends on
+whether we allow his grandfather to find him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And why shouldn't he? Wouldn't he be
+givin' a big reward?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is where you come to the point, my good
+Peggy. If he will make it worth our while, we
+may restore him to the old gentleman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And how much would he be givin', d'ye
+think?" asked Peggy, her bead-like eyes sparkling
+with greed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shouldn't wonder, Peggy, if you might get a
+hundred dollars out of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A hundred dollars—after my takin' care of
+the boy ever since he was a babby. Now you're
+jokin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you see, his grandfather isn't a rich
+man—" explained Lyman, fearing he had unduly
+raised the expectations of the old woman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You said he was!" retorted Peggy sharply.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I said he had a comfortable property—for a
+country town. That means a few thousand
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He sha'n't have him for such a thrifle,"
+snapped Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The police might take him from you, without
+your getting a cent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How would they know, unless you told 'em?"
+asked Peggy suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, Peggy!" said Lyman in a conciliatory
+tone. "We've got to stand by each other
+in this thing. Just leave the matter in my hands,
+and I'll manage it as well as I can. I'll get as
+much money from the old gentleman as I can."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you'll give me half?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course—that is, after necessary expenses
+are paid."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what am I to do then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing, except to stay here, and see that
+nobody gets hold of Jack. Does he know who
+he is?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He thinks I'm his aunt."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And is proud of the connection, no doubt,"
+said Lyman, who could not restrain his tendency
+to sarcasm. "Well, perhaps that is as well.
+Don't let any one know that it is not true. We
+can keep quiet till the time comes to make it
+known. Now, I'll leave you, and take the first
+step by writing to my uncle. Good afternoon,
+Peggy! I'll call again in a day or two."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Couldn't you leave me a dollar or two before
+you go?" whined Peggy. "Me health is very
+poor, and I can't work, and it's only a few pennies
+the boy brings in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're better off than I am," said Lyman
+curtly, "for I am out of employment and I have
+no boy to bring me in pennies. I don't know but
+I'd better take Jack at once, and then you won't
+have to take care of him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll kape him," said the old woman hurriedly—for
+she had no wish to lose the income the match
+boy brought in, small as it was. "I'll kape him,
+for he's used to me life, and he's happier here."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you like, Peggy!" returned Lyman
+with a smile at the success of his stratagem.
+"I'd help you if I could, but I'm almost at the
+bottom of my purse as it is. I'll see you again in
+a day or two, and report progress."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've done a good day's work," reflected Lyman,
+as he picked his way downstairs, nearly slipping
+on a piece of orange peel on one of the steps.
+"It was a piece of good luck, my finding Jack so
+soon after seeing that St. Louis paper—but I must
+write an effective letter to my uncle."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman went to the Sherman House, and entering
+the writing-room procured a sheet of note
+paper, and penned the following note:</p>
+<div class='c017'>"<span class='sc'>Chicago</span>, <i>September 7, 18—</i>.</div>
+
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>My Dear Uncle</span>:</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"I am afraid you are feeling anxious about me,
+and I will therefore relieve your affectionate solicitude,
+by saying that I am well in health, but
+low—very low in pocket. It costs more to live in
+Chicago than in Pocasset, and the sum of money
+with which you provided me is nearly gone. As
+I am a little afraid this hint won't be sufficient to
+open your heart, let me add that I can make it
+worth your while to be generous.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"It has come to my knowledge that you have
+sent out Mark Manning in search of your grandson.
+How you came to suspect that my cousin
+left a boy I can't imagine, but I don't mind telling
+you that you are correct. She did leave a
+boy, whose name is Jack Ransom. He is now
+about eight years of age. I know where he is
+and can lay my hands upon him at any moment.
+Whether I will or not depends on how you propose
+to deal with me. Of course it isn't to my
+interest that the boy should be found, as outside
+of him I am your natural and legal heir. I know
+that Mark Manning is scheming to get possession
+of your property when you are gone, but I am
+sure you wouldn't throw it away on a stranger,
+when your brother's son is living.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"Now, Uncle Anthony, I am going to make you
+a proposition. Bear in mind, if you please, that I
+am the only one who can restore little Jack to you.
+Only one other person knows about him and she
+never heard of you, and doesn't know Jack's last
+name. If you will guarantee me five thousand
+dollars within three months, two thousand being
+cash down, I will myself bring on little Jack, and
+place him in your arms. Now, I am sorry to say
+that the boy has a miserable home, and is scantily
+supplied with the necessaries of life. A miserable
+career of poverty and perhaps crime, awaits him
+unless you come to my terms. Let me know as
+soon as possible what you propose to do.</p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"A letter directed to me at the Chicago post-office
+will reach me safely.</p>
+<div class='lg-container-b c018'>
+  <div class='linegroup'>
+    <div class='group'>
+      <div class='line'>"Your affectionate nephew,</div>
+      <div class='line'>"<span class='sc'>Lyman Taylor</span>."</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>Anthony received this letter in due time, and
+deemed it of sufficient importance to warrant a
+visit to New York. He wished to lay it before
+Mr. Hardy, and ask his advice.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch29' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIX. <br /> MARK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>My</span> good friend," said Mr. Hardy, "have you
+any reason to think your nephew's statement is
+to be relied upon?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so," answered Anthony. "I am getting
+to be an old man, and I should like to feel
+that some one of my own blood would survive
+me, and profit by a part of the competence which
+God has bestowed upon me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It may be simply a money-making scheme on
+the part of Lyman," said the agent, thoughtfully.
+"Finding that he has little chance of becoming
+your heir, he wants to secure a handsome reward
+for restoring to you your grandson. Why has he
+not proposed it before?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because he did not know I had any property
+to leave, or else because he supposed his own
+chances of inheriting good. After the last interview
+with me, he probably lost the hope of profiting
+by my death."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There is something in what you say, Mr.
+Taylor. What is your own idea?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would give five thousand dollars, if necessary,
+to secure the return of my grandson. It
+would give me an object to live for."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I should be exceedingly sorry to see that sum
+pass into the hands of such a rascal as your
+graceless nephew."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you offer two thousand?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would hold no serious negotiations with
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I would run the risk of leaving the poor
+boy to a life of poverty, and myself to a lonely
+old age."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My idea is this. I will telegraph to Mark
+Manning, who is now in St. Louis, the particulars
+of your nephew's offer, with instructions
+to go at once to Chicago, find out Lyman, and
+put a detective on his track. If his story is
+true, he probably visits the boy from time to
+time. In this way it can be discovered where
+the boy lives, and steps can be taken to secure
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I approve of your plan," said Anthony. "Let
+it be carried out at once."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There will be this advantage," added Hardy.
+"Your enterprising nephew will not realize any
+benefit from his nice little scheme for trading upon
+your affections."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do as you think best, my good friend. Your
+judgment is always better than mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>John Hardy rapidly penned the following despatch.</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>Mark Manning</span>, Planter's Hotel, St. Louis:
+Go at once to Chicago and find Lyman Taylor.
+He knows where child is. Employ a detective,
+and track him to boy's residence. Don't let him
+suspect your object. Keep me apprised of your
+progress.</p>
+
+<p class='c019'><span class='sc'>John Hardy.</span>"</p>
+<p class='c013'>This despatch reached Mark within two hours.
+He had been in St. Louis several days, and had
+learned nothing. Two or three persons had called
+upon him with bogus information in the hope of
+a reward, but he was sharp enough to detect the
+imposition. He was beginning to despair of
+success when Mr. Hardy's telegram was received.
+Mark brightened up. He saw his way clearer
+now.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He went out to purchase a ticket for Chicago,
+and on his return found a second telegram in
+these words:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"Lyman admits knowledge of boy, and offers
+to restore him for five thousand dollars."</p>
+<p class='c013'>"I will endeavor to thwart Mr. Lyman Taylor,"
+said Mark to himself. "He is a greater rascal
+than I thought."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark paid his bill and took the next train for
+Chicago. He arrived late, and registered at the
+Fremont House, where he prepared himself for
+the difficult work that lay before him by taking
+a good night's rest. In the morning he awoke
+hopeful and determined, and after breakfast
+went out to walk. He had no clue to the where-abouts
+of Lyman, but thought it possible he
+might meet him as he had done before in the
+streets.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He walked about for two hours, keeping his
+eyes wide open, but though he scanned many
+hundreds of faces, that of Lyman Taylor was
+not among them. Yet his walk was to be more
+successful than he anticipated.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Little Jack still continued his street trade of
+selling matches. Peggy was not willing to give
+up the small revenue she obtained from the boy's
+sales. Sometimes, also, a compassionate passer-by
+would bestow a dime or nickel on the boy,
+pitying him for his thin face and sad expression.
+Sometimes, if Tim were not by, he would buy a
+cheap lunch, for the scanty rations which he received
+from Peggy, left him in a chronic state of
+hunger.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was fortunate that the poor boy indulged
+himself thus, or his feeble strength would hardly
+have held out against hunger and hard work
+combined.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Unwittingly Jack had made an active enemy
+in Tim Roach. His refusal to treat, Tim persuaded
+himself, was very mean, and his indignation
+was increased by the ill-success of his attempt
+to secure pay for the information given to
+Peggy. He was anxious to be revenged upon
+Jack, and was only waiting for an opportunity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Malice generally finds its opportunity after
+awhile. One day Jack set down his basket of
+matches a moment while he ran into a shop to
+change a twenty-five cent piece. Tim was close
+at hand, and slyly secured the basket, and fled
+swiftly through a narrow passage-way with his
+booty. He had not only secured a stock of merchandise,
+but he had got Jack into trouble.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Jack came out and found his basket
+gone he was in dismay.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who took my basket?" he inquired of an
+applewoman, who kept a stand close by.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There was a bye here just now—bigger than
+you. He must have run off wid it when my back
+was turned away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did he go?" asked Jack, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't mind."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What was he like?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure I've seed him here afore wid you.
+You called him Tim."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It was Tim Roach!" exclaimed Jack. "He's
+a mean boy. He took it to get me into trouble."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure he looks like a thafe."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The tears started to Jack's eyes.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know what to do," he said, piteously.
+"I am afraid Peggy will beat me when I get
+home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is Peggy?" asked a new voice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack looked towards the speaker. He saw a
+pleasant-faced boy, apparently about sixteen.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She's the woman I live with," answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What will she beat you for?" asked Mark,
+for it was he. He had just come up, and hadn't
+heard of Jack's misfortune, but his heart was
+stirred to sympathy, by the sadness visible upon
+the little boy's face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"For losing my matches," and thereupon Jack
+told his story to his new acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How much were the matches worth?" asked
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There were fourteen boxes. They cost me
+three cents a piece. Then there was the basket.
+That cost a quarter."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know where to buy more?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then take this dollar bill, and get a new
+supply."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack's little face glowed with gratitude.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, how kind you are!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you generally stand here?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does this Peggy send you out every day?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is she related to you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I thought she was my aunt," answered the
+match boy, "but last evening a gentleman called
+on Peggy, I heard them talking when they
+thought I was asleep," Jack continued in a lower
+tone. "I heard the gentleman say I had a grandfather
+living at the East, and that he would pay
+a good sum to get hold of me. I wish he would,
+for Peggy doesn't give me enough to eat, and
+sometimes she beats me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Tell me about this gentleman," said Mark in
+excitement. "Is he tall?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"With black hair and whiskers?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know his name?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; but there he is now!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark followed the direction of the boy's
+finger, and he recognized, though his head was
+turned, the familiar form of Lyman Taylor on
+the opposite side of the street.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch30' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXX. <br /> MARK MAKES ARRANGEMENTS WITH JACK.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mark's</span> excitement was at fever heat. In the
+most wonderful manner he had succeeded almost
+without an effort. He could not doubt that this
+boy was the very one of whom he was in search.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He was apprehensive that Lyman would turn,
+and on recognizing him penetrate his design and
+arrange to defeat it. But fortunately the object
+of his dread appeared to have other business in
+hand and kept on his way, never turning back.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How old are you?" he asked, thinking it best
+to make assurance doubly sure.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Peggy says I'm goin' on eight," answered
+the match boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is the right age," thought Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you always lived in Chicago?" he continued.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir; Peggy brought me from St. Louis
+when I was a very little child."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose you don't remember much about
+St. Louis?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't remember it at all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What does Peggy do for a living?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Nothing much," he answered; "she says she
+isn't well enough to work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Surely she does not depend wholly upon what
+you earn?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know. Sometimes she gets money in
+a letter. I think it comes from her son."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then she has a son?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where does he live?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I saw one of his letters once. It said Fall
+River on the wrapper. I think he works in a
+factory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fall River is a city in Massachusetts. I have
+never been there, but I hear that they have factories
+there."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So you can read writing?" asked Mark after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, a little."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And I suppose you can read books and
+papers?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little. I went to a primary school for a
+little while, and afterwards a lady used to hear
+my lessons. She lived in the same place with
+us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did you like studying?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ever so much. I should be happy if I could
+go to school again, but Peggy says I know enough,
+and she needs me to earn my living."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you know the name of that gentleman
+you pointed out to me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't think I heard Peggy mention his
+name."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long has he been in the habit of coming
+to see you and Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has only been there two or three times.
+Peggy didn't remember him at first. I think
+they used to know each other a good while
+ago."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose this gentleman's story were true,
+and you had a grandfather at the East who could
+take good care of you, would you be willing to
+go to him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would he be kind to me? Do you know
+him?" asked the little fellow eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I know him, and I am sure he would be
+very kind to you. Would you be willing to leave
+Peggy?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered little Jack promptly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How does she treat you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I bring home a good bit of money, she pats
+me on the head and says I am a good boy, but if I
+am not lucky she is very cross, and sometimes she
+beats me."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark's sympathies were aroused. Jack was so
+small, and weak in appearance, that it seemed to
+him revolting to think of his being at the mercy
+of a cruel old woman. Half unconsciously his
+fist doubled up, his teeth closed firmly together,
+and he just wished he had the merciless Peggy in
+his power.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is Peggy temperate?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack looked at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does she drink?" Mark asked, changing the
+form of his question.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She drinks beer, and sometimes whiskey,"
+answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does she get—drunk?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sometimes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How does it affect her?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It makes her sleepy or cross. I always
+run away when she has been drinking—when
+I can, but sometimes she locks the door and
+fastens me in. Then, if I can, I hide under the
+bed."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Poor boy! you have a hard time of it. Now,
+Jack, can you keep a secret?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack nodded, and his face assumed a cunning
+look, for the poor boy had more than once felt
+obliged to practice dissimulation, in the rough
+school in which he had been trained.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," he answered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I am going to tell you a secret. Your
+grandfather sent me out here to find you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He sent you!" ejaculated Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I thought he sent that gentleman—the
+one I pointed out to you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; that gentleman, as you call him, is your
+mother's cousin. He is a near relation of yours."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But he spoke to Peggy about carrying me
+back to my grandfather."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He has an object in view. He won't give you
+up to your grandfather unless he gets a large sum
+of money. I suppose he has promised to give
+Peggy some of the money."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I heard him promise Peggy a hundred
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark smiled.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I think he is going to cheat Peggy," he
+said. "He wants five thousand dollars for himself."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why, that is a good deal more than a hundred
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it is fifty times as much. Did Peggy
+seem to be satisfied with a hundred?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; she said it was very little, but he said
+perhaps my grandfather would give her as much
+as that every year."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is evident he proposes to take the old
+woman in."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't care, if he will only take me back to
+my grandfather. Will he give me enough to
+eat?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My poor child, are you hungry?" asked Mark,
+compassionately.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I think I am always hungry," sighed
+Jack. "Peggy says I eat too much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't look much like it. Now Jack, one
+thing more. Would you be willing to leave
+Peggy, and go to New York with me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Would you take me to my grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; that is just what I want to do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am ready to go now," said Jack, putting
+his hand confidingly in Mark's.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is well, but it will be better to wait till
+to-morrow. What time do you get up in the
+morning?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About eight o'clock. It isn't any use to go
+out too early."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And at what time do you come here, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"About half-past eight or nine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then I will meet you to-morrow, somewhere
+about that time, and I will have tickets ready to
+take us to New York. We can catch the ten
+o'clock train. There isn't any danger of Peggy
+keeping you, is there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not unless she thinks I am goin' to run
+away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She mustn't suspect that. We must be sure
+to keep that from her. I suppose you have no
+other clothes than those you have on?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will hunt up a clothing-store, and get you
+fitted out before we start. I shouldn't like your
+grandfather to see you in that ragged suit."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack looked down at his jacket, frayed, tattered
+and greasy, and said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I've often wished I had nice clothes like that
+boy," and he pointed out a boy of about his own
+age, dressed in knickerbockers.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You shall have your wish to-morrow, Jack.
+Now I suppose you had better go and buy some
+more matches, so that Peggy won't suspect anything."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You'll be sure to meet me to-morrow, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And don't let Peggy suspect from your looks
+that anything is going on."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Everything looks favorable," thought Mark
+as he walked slowly to his hotel. "To-morrow
+at this time Peggy and the worthy Lyman will
+be mourning for a lost boy."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch31' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXI. <br /> JACK TALKS IN HIS SLEEP.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Jack</span> was naturally very much excited by the
+new prospects that opened out before him. He
+had seen little happiness in his short life. It is a
+sad thing to say that he had hardly ever known
+what it was to eat a full meal. Cold and pinching
+privation, and long, toilsome days in the
+streets, had been his portion hitherto. Was it
+possible, he asked himself, that all this was to be
+changed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Was he to have a home like other boys, and a
+relation who was able to supply him with the
+comforts of which he knew so little?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It seemed like a dream, and little Jack might
+have been tempted to distrust the information
+which had been given to him. But somehow he
+could not help feeling confidence in what Mark
+told him. He felt that Mark would not deceive
+him, and the dream must come true after
+all.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack finished out the day as usual, and went
+home. Peggy's attention was at once called to
+the new basket.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where did that come from?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My basket was stolen, and a kind gentleman
+gave me money to buy this." Jack answered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Was the matches stole too?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he gave me money enough to buy as
+many as I lost."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who stole 'em? Do you know?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it was Tim Roach. He was hangin'
+round, at the time I lost it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Did he snatch it from you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I laid it down a minute while I went into
+a cigar store to get a quarter changed for a gentleman
+who had just bought a box of matches, when
+Tim picked it up and ran away."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'd like to get hold of Tim!" said Peggy
+wrathfully. "I'd wring his neck for him, the
+little wretch!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then a new and cunning idea came to Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I tell you what to do, Jack," she said; "just
+you go out to-morrow mornin' without any basket,
+and begin to cry, and tell people that you've
+had your matches stolen. Then somebody'll give
+you money, and you can bring it home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But that would be tellin' a lie, Peggy," objected
+Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what if it is!" retorted Peggy. "You
+needn't be so dreadfully good. It ain't a lie
+that'll hurt anybody, and the gentlemen that
+gives you the money won't miss it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It occurred to Jack that it would suit his plans
+to go out the next morning without the basket.
+Considering how he had been brought up, his
+conscience was unusually tender, and he would
+not have liked to leave the city without returning
+the basket and his stock-in-trade to Peggy. Besides,
+she could have him arrested for theft, if
+she chose. He decided, therefore, that he would
+make no further objection to Peggy's proposal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you say, Peggy," he said, submissively.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a good boy!" said Peggy, good-humoredly.
+"That's a pretty good snap!" she said to
+herself, complacently. "I don't know why we
+shouldn't foller it up. It'll be more than the
+profit of the matches, and Jack can do it two or
+three times a day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It did, indeed, seem a very ingenious method of
+raising money, and answered the purpose of
+begging, without being open to the usual objection.</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p220.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>The old woman drawing near the pallet, strove to catch the words that fell from the boy's lips.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack usually got tired with being about the
+streets all day, and after he had eaten the frugal
+supper with which Peggy had provided him, he
+lay down on a pallet provided for him in the
+corner of the room, and was soon asleep. But
+with such a momentous secret on his mind, it
+will not be a matter of surprise that Jack's
+thoughts, even in sleep, were occupied with his
+new plan. Whenever he was restless he was apt
+to talk in his sleep, and did so on the present
+occasion.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy had not gone to bed, but sat in an old
+wooden rocking-chair, smoking a pipe.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's the boy sayin'?" she asked herself,
+as Jack began to talk. "I'll listen, and then if
+he's been up to any mischief, he'll out with it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She removed the pipe, and drawing near the
+pallet, bent over, and strove to catch the disconnected
+words that fell from the boy's lips.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'm goin'—to—my grandfather!" she heard
+Jack say, and the words startled her.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's been talkin' to him about his grandfather?"
+Peggy exclaimed, startled. "I didn't
+know he'd heard a word about him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says—he will—take me!" continued Jack,
+in a drowsy tone.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says he'll take him!" repeated Peggy, in
+surprise and alarm. "Who's he, I'd like to
+know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Her suspicions fell at once upon Lyman. No
+one, so far as she knew, had any knowledge of
+Jack's relations except Lyman. Evidently Lyman
+had been talking to the boy on the sly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The villain!" said Peggy, indignantly; "I
+know what he's up to. He wants to get the boy
+away from me, and get all the reward himself.
+He's going to leave Peggy out in the cowld, and
+abduct the boy on the sly. I've found him out,
+the artful schamer. So he thinks he can over-rache
+ould Peggy, does he? He'll find it's a
+cowld day when ould Peggy gets left."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack began to talk again.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He says he'll take me off in the cars," he
+continued. "I like to ride in the cars. My grandfather
+will give me enough to eat, and I won't
+have to sell matches for a livin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The ongrateful young kid," commented
+Peggy, looking angrily at the sleeping boy. "So
+he wants to lave me who've took care of him
+ever since he was a babby, and he don't mind it
+no more'n if I was a puppy dog. <i>I</i> that have
+been a mother to him!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy rocked back and forward, and actually
+persuaded herself that little Jack was very ungrateful.
+It is curious how we misrepresent
+matters from our own point of view. It was
+Jack who had supported Peggy, and she was far
+more indebted to him than he was to her, but
+somehow she could not see it. She did, however,
+understand fully how unpleasant it would be to
+lose Jack's services, unless she could receive, as
+Lyman had led her to expect, an adequate compensation
+from his grandfather.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy deliberated as to what was best to be
+done. In the first place, she wanted to find out
+for a certainty whether Lyman had really entered
+into a conspiracy against her and meant to
+abduct Jack without her knowledge or consent.
+It seemed on the whole, the best thing to get up
+herself and follow Jack the next morning, and
+make sure that Lyman did not have a secret conference
+with him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Jack was ready to start out the next
+morning, Peggy asked with apparent carelessness,
+"Jack, dear, do you ever see the tall gentleman
+that calls here sometimes?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Peggy; I saw him yesterday," answered
+Jack, readily.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what did he say to you?" she asked
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He didn't speak to me at all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's a lie!" Peggy said to herself. "He
+told the bye not to tell." But she didn't think it
+best to charge Jack with it, and so through him
+put Lyman on his guard.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Remember, lad, you've got no better friend
+than ould Peggy. If you should lave her, she'd
+die of grafe."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you, Peggy," said Jack, but he was
+not much impressed by this declaration of affection
+from one who often beat and systematically
+starved him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Five minutes after Jack had left the house,
+Peggy threw on her old cloak, and, at a safe distance,
+followed her youthful charge, meaning to
+keep him under her eye, and watch lest he
+should be carried off by Lyman Taylor. But
+luckily for Jack, whose meeting with Mark would
+otherwise have been detected, she changed her
+plan, when she recognized a little in advance
+Lyman himself on State Street.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It'll be better to watch him," she decided,
+and gave up following Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Meanwhile Jack had not been at his usual
+stand more than ten minutes, when Mark came
+up.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad you are ahead of time, Jack," he
+said. "Come along with me."</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch32' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXII. <br /> JACK IS PURSUED.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Are</span> you goin' to take me away to-day?"
+asked Jack, who wished to be assured that the
+dream was coming true.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, Jack, but I can't take you away as you
+are. I know a place near by where you can take
+a good bath. I will leave you then, and go
+round by myself and buy you some clothes. I
+can guess your size."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He led the way to a barber's shop which advertised
+baths, procured a ticket, and leaving Jack
+with strict injunctions to wash himself thoroughly,
+sallied out in search of an outfit for his
+young companion. That did not take long. He
+returned with two good sized bundles, and requested
+Jack to dress himself in them. When
+Jack emerged from the bath-room he was quite
+transformed. He was still thin, and his features
+looked pinched, but his dress was, in all respects,
+that of a boy belonging to a well-to-do family.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now I think I must have your hair cut, and
+you will do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In truth, Jack's long, elf-like locks made his
+face appear even thinner than it really was.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you want to be shaved, too, young
+man?" asked the barber, jocosely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he wants to be shaved," said Jack,
+pointing to Mark, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark colored a little, realizing that he scarcely
+needed that operation any more than Jack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now look at yourself in the glass, Jack!"
+said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Jack obeyed, and looked first bewildered, then
+pleased. He thought at first that he was looking
+at another boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is that me?" he inquired, almost incredulously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think it is. Peggy wouldn't know you,"
+answered Mark, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't want her to," answered the little
+boy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had forgotten one thing—a pair of shoes.
+As he scanned Jack critically, he noted the omission,
+and said, "Jack, we must go to a shoe
+store. It will never do for a young gentleman
+like you to wear a pair of shoes out at the toes
+and sides."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They don't look very well," said Jack, with a
+downward look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"As you may be taken for my son," said Mark
+gravely, "I want you to look well."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're only a boy!" said Jack, who was inclined
+to a literal understanding of what was told
+him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You wouldn't take me for twenty-five, then,
+Jack?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, you're not that, are you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, not quite."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>They had not far to go to a shoe store, but it
+took some time to get fitted to a pair of shoes, on
+account of Jack's having a high instep. This
+delay came near wrecking their plans. Tim
+Roach, who usually passed his time in roaming
+about the streets, without any special occupation,
+caught sight of Jack as he entered the shoe store
+with Mark. He let his eye rest upon him carelessly
+at first, but his indifferent glance was soon
+succeeded by a look of the most intense amazement.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My eye!" he exclaimed, "if that isn't little
+Jack dressed out like a prince! What's happened,
+I wonder, and who's that with him? I
+jest wish he'd rig me out that way."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Tim did not make himself known, but peered
+curiously in at the door of the store.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wonder whether Peggy knows about it?"
+he soliloquized. "I don't believe she does.
+Wouldn't she open her eyes to see the kid rigged
+out that way. I'd like to tell her."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Circumstances seemed to favor the gratification
+of this wish, for not many rods away he caught
+sight of Peggy and Lyman Taylor talking together.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll go and tell her," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>We will precede him and relate what had
+taken place between the two schemers. Peggy
+had started out with the confident belief that
+Lyman had played her false, and meant to carry
+away Jack without her knowledge or consent.
+It did, indeed, look as if she were correct, for it
+must be remembered that she knew nothing of
+Mark's mission to Chicago, Lyman not having
+thought it necessary to tell her. She wanted to
+meet Lyman and "have it out with him," if she
+found any confirmation in her suspicions.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman chanced to turn, and seeing Peggy
+with her eyes fixed on him, retraced his steps till
+he reached her.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you want to see me, Peggy?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I wanted to see you, Mr. Lyman Taylor,
+and ask what you mane by tryin' to stale away
+the bye from me?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman stared at her in surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know what you mean," he answered,
+with a shrug of his shoulders. "I thought it
+was understood that we would restore the boy to
+his grandfather if he would make it worth our
+while."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you didn't mane to take away the bye
+without my knowin' it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly not. Who told you so?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And you haven't told the bye about goin'
+back to his grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I haven't spoken a word to the boy on the
+subject."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then how did he know about it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Does he know about it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Peggy then told her companion about what she
+had overheard Jack say in his sleep the night before.
+Lyman Taylor was surprised and alarmed,
+and these feelings were so evident on his face that
+Peggy acquitted him of any breach of faith.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't understand it," he said, meditatively.
+"I have never spoken a word about the matter
+except in your room. Did you ask him about it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I asked him when did he see you, and he said
+yesterday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He might have seen me, but I had no conversation
+with him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So he said."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He told the truth. I don't think any harm
+is done, Peggy. He must have overheard what
+we were talking about when we supposed him
+asleep."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's true. Maybe he did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That won't interfere with our plans that I
+can see. I have written to my uncle and expect
+to hear from him in a few days. I will let you
+know what he says as soon as I get the letter."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then it was that Tim Roach came up, looking
+preternaturally knowing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How are you, Peg?" he said. "Are you
+walkin' wid your beau?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Go away wid you! You're always botherin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You'd orter see what I did jest now," said
+Tim, wagging his head.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What did you see, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I seed your Jack rigged out like a prince in
+new clothes and a new hat. Didn't he look
+fine?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You saw Jack dressed that way?" gasped
+Peggy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, I did."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're lyin' now."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wish I may die if I didn't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where was he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In Simpson's shoe store, pickin' out a nice new
+pair of shoes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How could the boy get all these things without
+money?" asked Lyman incredulous.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There was a big boy wid him was buyin' the
+things."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A big boy!" repeated Lyman quickly; "how
+old was he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Maybe sixteen or seventeen."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>An expression, full of dismay, overspread Lyman
+Taylor's face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is Mark Manning!" he exclaimed. "Quick,
+boy, tell me where he is."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In Simpson's shoe store."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And who is Mark Manning?" asked Peggy
+bewildered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The boy his grandfather sent out here to find
+him. It's he that has been telling Jack about his
+grandfather. Quick, Peggy! we must go and
+stop him, or he'll take Jack away and leave us
+out in the cold."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The ill-matched pair hurried to the place indicated
+by Tim.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch33' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIII. <br /> MARK ELUDES HIS PURSUERS.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Little</span> Jack had been fitted with a pair of shoes,
+and Mark had settled for them, when the little
+boy chancing to look towards the entrance of the
+store, was almost paralyzed by the sight of Peggy
+and Lyman looking in at the window. His eyes
+were good, and he could read on Peggy's face a
+malicious exultation, which boded ill for him when
+he should again find himself in her clutches.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark, who had not seen them, noticed the fear
+upon the face of his little charge.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What's the matter, Jack?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's them!" answered Jack, hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who's them?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Peggy—and the gentleman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where are they?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Looking in at the winder."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark had his wits about him, and did not turn
+round. He wished Peggy and her confederate to
+think themselves undiscovered, while he rapidly
+considered what was best to be done.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Should he leave the store by the front door,
+Jack would at once be pounced upon by Peggy,
+and there would be a scene.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He might eventually recover Jack, but in the
+meantime the boy would be ill-treated, stripped
+of his good clothes, and perhaps carried out of the
+city. Just as success seemed assured, he was
+confronted by defeat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>What was to be done?</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was not a boy to give in, unless compelled
+to do so. An idea came to him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Jack," he said in a low voice, "don't look towards
+the window again. Don't let them know
+you have seen them."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You won't let Peggy get hold of me!" said
+the boy in a trembling voice.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Not if I can help it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Turning to the salesman who had waited upon
+him, Mark said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There are some people at the door that I want
+to avoid meeting. Is there any back entrance to
+the store?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered the clerk.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Will you be kind enough to guide us to it?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't look behind you, Jack, but come with
+me. Don't be alarmed!"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The salesman guided them to a door opening on
+a narrow street. Boxes of goods were so piled up,
+that this door could not be seen from the window
+into which Peggy and Lyman were looking.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where are they going?" Peggy asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"To look at some goods in the back part of the
+store," answered Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This reassured Peggy, who kept her position,
+feeling sure that Jack could not escape her when
+he came out.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I'll sell his new clothes," she thought complacently.
+"I'll be in luck after all."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Once out of the store, Mark looked about him.
+He felt that it behooved him to get beyond the
+reach of Jack's pursuers as soon as possible.
+Circumstances favored him. Just at the head
+of the street, he saw a lady descend from a hack.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hurry up, Jack," he said. "We'll get into
+this cab."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The driver was about to drive away, after
+settling with his fare, when Mark hailed him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Are you unengaged?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can you drive me at once to the Union
+Depot in Van Buren Street?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He dismounted from the box, opened the door
+for his next passengers, and they got in. Then
+resuming his place on the box, he drove rapidly
+away.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It so chanced that he passed by the front of
+the very store from which they had just emerged.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Little Jack stole a glance out of the window of
+the cab.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's Peg!" he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Following his example, Mark also caught sight
+of the two with their faces glued to the window,
+still looking in, unconscious that their prey had
+escaped them.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark smiled. He felt like a victor, and rather
+enjoyed the thought of having outgeneraled the
+fox.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope they'll have a good time watching for
+us, Jack," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The little boy still felt nervous.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Do you think they'll catch me?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, Jack, I think they'll get left this time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The cab made its way rapidly through the
+crowded streets, and in a very short time drew
+up at the Union Depot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark paid the driver, and accompanied by
+Jack, made his way to the ticket office.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How soon will there be a train East?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In ten minutes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That will suit us, Jack."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He bought tickets, and, the cars being ready,
+they took their seats in a comfortable car of the
+Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If they should come here!" suggested Jack,
+nervously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They would have to run fast, if our train
+leaves on time. There is no danger, Jack.
+Even if they suspect that we have left the store,
+they wouldn't know where we are gone."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Still, even Mark felt relieved and reassured
+when the signal was given and the long train
+began to steam out of the depot.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Wouldn't you like to go back and bid Peggy
+good-by?" he asked, jocosely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope I shall never see Peggy again," answered
+the little boy, shuddering.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If you ever do, there won't be any danger of
+her doing you any harm. Your grandfather will
+take care of that."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In his hurry to leave the city, Mark had been
+compelled to leave his bill at the hotel unpaid,
+but his valise was left behind as security. At
+the first opportunity he telegraphed to the land-lord,
+promising to remit the necessary money,
+and asking him to hold the valise till instructed
+where to send it by express.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>We will now go back to Peggy and Lyman,
+who were impatiently maintaining their watch
+at the window of the shoe store.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When fifteen minutes had passed, and Jack and
+Mark did not appear, they became alarmed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where are they?" muttered Peggy. "It's
+long enough they are stayin'."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are right, Peggy."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Just then a policeman tapped him on the
+shoulder. He had been watching them for some
+time and their conduct seemed to him suspicious.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What are you doing here, my man?" he
+asked, suspiciously. "You had better move
+on."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We are waiting for some one to come out,"
+answered Lyman.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long do you mean to wait? Is this
+woman with you?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Lyman, reluctantly, for he
+was not proud of his companion, whose appearance
+was hardly calculated to do him credit.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shure, my little bye has been shtole," she put
+in, "and he's in the store now wid the man that
+shtole him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Then you'd better go in and claim him
+instead of standing here and blocking up the
+sidewalk."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I will follow your advice," said Lyman.
+"Will you be kind enough to stay here a
+minute, in case I need your help?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Very well; only be quick."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman entered the store, and failing to see
+Jack and Mark, addressed one of the salesmen.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Two boys were in here a short time since,"
+he said; "one large one and one small one. Can
+you tell me where they are?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It happened that the salesman addressed was
+the same one who had guided the boys to the
+back entrance. At least fifteen minutes had
+elapsed, and there would be no danger in telling
+the truth.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They went away some time since," he answered.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They did not go out the front door, for I've
+been there all the time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's another door," quietly retorted the
+clerk.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Where?" asked Lyman, in dismay.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In the rear of the store."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sold, by thunder!" exclaimed Lyman, under
+his breath. "How long have they been gone?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fifteen minutes. Were they friends of
+yours?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The small boy was my son," answered Lyman,
+unblushingly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And was the woman I saw with you at the
+window his mother?" asked the salesman, with
+a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Certainly not," answered Lyman, coloring
+with indignation. "The older boy has abducted
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why didn't you come in sooner, then?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I wish I had."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Great was Peggy's dismay when Lyman told
+her what he had learned. She had fully decided
+to beat Jack soundly, and now she was baffled
+of her revenge. The two confederates spent the
+rest of the day in wandering about the streets of
+Chicago in search of Jack and his friend, but
+their search was in vain.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch34' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIV. <br /> MRS. MANNING'S HOUSE IS SOLD.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>It</span> is now time to return to Pocasset and inquire
+how our old acquaintances are prospering.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was still a matter of wonder what had become
+of Mark. Mrs. Manning gave no information,
+and no letters were received at the post-office
+which would throw light on the mystery.
+Mark, by arrangement, directed all his letters to
+Mr. Hardy, who inclosed and forwarded them
+to the Pocasset office. Tom Wyman, the postmaster's
+son, was puzzled to account for the
+letters received from New York by Mrs. Manning.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They must be from Mark," said James Collins.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"They don't seem to be in Mark's hand-writing."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He probably gets some one to direct them for
+him, so as to throw dust in our eyes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>This was the conclusion upon which the two
+boys finally settled.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Another cause of wonder was the hermit's
+visits to the city. Since he had heard that his
+grandson was living, he went up often to consult
+with Mr. Hardy. Family affection in him had
+not died out. It had only been dormant, and
+now it was thoroughly reawakened.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I long to see my daughter's boy," he said.
+"It will give me something to live for. I tremble
+lest the cup of happiness should be dashed
+from my lips, just as my hopes are awakened."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be anxious, old friend. Your affairs
+are in good hands. Mark is only a boy, but he
+has far more discretion and fidelity than most
+men. Do you know what I have in view?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If he succeeds in this enterprise I propose,
+with his mother's permission, to take him into
+my office, and train him up in my business. I
+have hitherto employed boys simply as boys, but
+Mark is one whom I can train up for a responsible
+position. I am getting older every year, and
+when I am really old, I shall be glad to have a
+young man at my side upon whom I can shift
+the burden of my business. Do you think his
+mother would object?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mrs. Manning is a sensible woman. I think
+she will be glad to have her son so well provided
+for. If it is necessary I will myself advise her to
+commit him to your charge."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>At length a telegram came from Mark, and by
+good luck when Mr. Taylor was in the office of
+his agent. It ran thus:</p>
+<p class='c015'>"<span class='sc'>John Hardy, New York.</span></p>
+
+<p class='c015'>"I am on my way to New York with little
+Jack. Particulars when we meet.</p>
+<div class='c017'>"<span class='sc'>Mark Manning.</span>"</div>
+<p class='c013'>"There, old friend, what do you say to that?"
+asked John Hardy, triumphantly. "Didn't I
+tell you the boy would succeed? Was my confidence
+misplaced?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He had my confidence from the first," said
+Anthony, his face luminous with happiness,
+"but I knew he had an adroit enemy in my
+nephew Lyman. I didn't dare to expect that a
+country boy would be equal to the emergency."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Now, you can go home with a light heart. In
+a day or two, your grandson will be with you.
+What are your plans respecting him? Shall you
+take him to Pocasset?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't think I can do better. He will need a
+woman's care, and I know of no one who will
+prove kinder than Mrs. Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She has this in her favor at any rate. She
+has brought up her own boy well. But will the
+house be large or comfortable enough?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not very particular for myself. You
+will judge that when you remember the cabin in
+the woods, where I spent several years. The
+house is small, however, but there is another
+vacant, much larger and handsomer, which I can
+buy or rent, already furnished. The owner and
+occupant died recently, and his heirs, living in a
+distant state, want to sell it. It has a handsome
+lawn and a garden attached. It stands near the
+house of Mr. Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you are able to gratify your own taste
+in the matter. I will send Mark down as soon as
+he arrives."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>When Anthony reached home, he found Mrs.
+Manning anxious and perturbed. The cause will
+require some explanation.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The small cottage in which Mark and his
+mother lived did not belong to them. They
+rented it from Deacon Brooks, an old farmer living
+just out of the village, at five-dollars monthly
+rental. For a special reason Squire Collins desired
+to possess it. He owned the lot adjoining,
+and it occurred to him that the two combined
+would make a desirable property. The house,
+which was a cottage, could be raised one story,
+and made much more commodious. In that case,
+it would easily command more than twice the
+rent. The foreman of the shoe-shop stood prepared
+to rent it of him, as soon as the alteration
+was made.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>He therefore approached Deacon Brooks, with a
+proposition to purchase it.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know," said the deacon. "I never
+thought of sellin', but I can't say I'm opposed to
+it. I'm getting good rent from the widder Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There's no knowing, deacon, how long she'll
+be able to pay her rent," said the squire, nodding
+with a meaning look.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Sho! you don't say! She ain't lost any
+money, has she?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She had none to lose. Her boy Mark has
+about supported her with his small earnings in
+the shop. But he isn't employed there any
+longer."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I heard something of that. Did you discharge
+him?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; he got too uppish—wasn't willing to
+obey orders. I was sorry to discharge him on his
+mother's account, but it was his own fault."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Seems to me I haven't seen him round the
+village lately?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; he has gone to the city on some wild-goose
+expedition. My boy James thinks he is
+blacking boots or selling papers. As to that I
+can't say, but it isn't likely he is able to help his
+mother much."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear Mrs. Manning has a boarder?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; it's the old hermit that lived in the
+woods. I believe he has a small pension from
+some relations, but it doesn't amount to much.
+Probably he doesn't pay more than two or three
+dollars a week board. That won't go far, eh,
+deacon?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You're right there, squire. It costs a sight to
+live. How much do you think my grocery bill
+came to last month?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know," answered the squire, with a
+curious smile. The deacon had the reputation of
+being very close-fisted, and it was rather amusing
+to hear him speak of the cost of living.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Fifteen dollars and sixty-seven cents," said
+the deacon, with the air of one who hardly expected
+to be believed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I believe you have six in family," said Squire
+Collins, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, six, including the hired man."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I pity your family," thought the squire, who,
+at all events, kept a liberal table.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, it costs a great deal to live," he added,
+"and, of course, the Widow Manning, though her
+family is small, can't live on nothing. When
+she finds she can't pay all her bills, she will probably
+begin by being remiss in her rent."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That's so, squire! She's allus paid so far
+right up to the handle, though."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"When she had Mark's help; but as I told you
+he is not now in a condition to help his mother.
+Well, what do you say? Shall I have the
+house?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Then commenced the bargaining. Both parties
+were sharp, but at length a conclusion was
+reached. Squire Collins agreed to pay eight
+hundred and fifty dollars for the cottage, five
+hundred to remain on bond and mortgage, at six
+per cent. In a day or two the necessary papers
+were made out, and then Squire Collins took a
+walk over to the cottage, to inform Mrs. Manning
+that the house had passed into his possession, and
+it would be necessary for her to find another
+home.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It might have been supposed he would feel
+some compunction, but he did not have much feeling
+or sympathy for the widow. The ill-feeling
+between Mark and his son had its effect upon
+him also.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch35' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXV. <br /> NOTICE TO QUIT.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>There</span> are some men who enjoy the prospect
+of dealing a blow, and watching the effect—men
+whose best feelings have been deadened, and who
+have lost all sympathy for those less fortunate
+than themselves. That Squire Collins was a
+man of this kind will not seem strange to those
+who have followed the course of this story. He
+set out for Mrs. Manning's cottage with a comfortable
+complacency, though he knew that the communication
+he had to make would bring her great
+trouble and sorrow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Quite unconscious of the impending blow, Mrs.
+Manning was sitting at the front window engaged
+in sewing, while her thoughts were with
+her absent boy, whom she seemed to miss more
+and more as his absence lengthened. Casually
+looking up from her work, she saw with considerable
+surprise the dignified figure of Squire Collins
+turning in at her gate.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What can bring the squire here," she thought.
+She was not in the habit of receiving or expecting
+calls from her aristocratic townsman, and
+concluded that he must have some special object
+in calling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Perhaps he had come to offer to take Mark
+back into the shop. If so, it might be the best
+thing for her son. She knew very little of old
+Anthony's circumstances, and she did not anticipate
+any permanent position for Mark from
+that quarter.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Squire Collins," she said, politely.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," he responded,
+somewhat stiffly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Won't you come in?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Thank you; I will step in for a few minutes,
+I have a little business to speak of."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It must be that he means to take Mark back
+into the shop," thought the widow, cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>She led the way into the plain sitting-room,
+and invited the village magnate to take a seat.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ahem! your son Mark is away?" remarked
+the squire, inquiringly. This confirmed Mrs.
+Manning in her conjecture as to the squire's
+errand.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," she answered; "but I think he will be
+at home before long. I miss him a great deal."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose he can't make a living in New
+York," thought the squire. Rather fortunately
+he didn't inquire where Mark was, since this
+would have embarrassed Mrs. Manning, who
+knew that it was a secret not to be mentioned,
+and yet would have been reluctant to offend the
+squire by withholding the information.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Probably he will be as well off at home," said
+the squire. "I don't believe much in boys leaving
+home on wild-goose expeditions. They think
+it perfectly easy to earn a living elsewhere, but
+they are pretty apt to reap only disappointment."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I dare say you are right, squire," said Mrs.
+Manning, leading up to the subject of a return to
+the shop; "but there didn't seem to be anything
+for Mark to do at home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins understood her object, but had
+no intention of offering employment to Mark.
+He looked at the widow with a peculiar smile,
+and enjoyed the disappointment which his next
+words were calculated to bring.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I dare say Mark can hire out to some good
+farmer," he replied, indifferently. "Farming is
+a good healthy business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning sighed, for she rightly interpreted
+that no place in the shop was to be offered
+to Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ahem!" said the squire, changing the subject;
+"you have a boarder, I understand?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; Mr. Taylor makes his home with us."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A sensible move on his part. It was a
+strange thing to live in the woods by himself so
+many years. I hope he will be able to pay his
+board."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He pays regularly every week," answered
+the widow.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I presume he's quite poor?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark thinks he has considerable money, but
+I have no means of judging, except that he pays
+his bills promptly."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark is an inexperienced boy," he said. "The
+truth is, as I understand, old Anthony receives
+a small pension from some relatives in New York.
+It can't be much, but I hope, for your sake,
+that he has enough to pay his board."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning began to wonder whether this
+was what Squire Collins came to talk about. She
+was soon more fully informed.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How long have you lived in this cottage,
+Mrs. Manning?" asked the squire.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ten years, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You hire of Deacon Brooks?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Ahem! I came here this morning to acquaint
+you with the fact that I have just bought the
+property."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Has Deacon Brooks sold to you?" asked the
+widow, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; the papers have passed, and the transfer
+has been made. I am now the legal owner."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be glad to keep the house, Squire
+Collins, if you have no other views," said Mrs.
+Manning. "I have been paying five dollars a
+month rent, and if that is satisfactory——"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The fact is, Mrs. Manning," interrupted the
+squire, "I <i>have</i> other views. I intend to raise
+the house a story, and have promised to rent
+it, when completed, to my foreman, Mr. Lake,
+who contemplates marriage. He is boarding at
+present, as you know."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning was very much disturbed. It is
+no light thing to be forced to leave a house which
+has been one's home for a period of ten years,
+especially in a country town where surplus houses
+are generally scarce and hard to find.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know where I can go," said the
+widow, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No doubt you'll find some place," said the
+squire, carelessly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How soon do you want me to vacate the
+house, Squire Collins?" asked Mrs. Manning,
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"At the end of the month."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But that is only a week from to-day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite true."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is a very short time."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It ought to be time enough, Mrs. Manning,"
+said the squire, stiffly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would be willing to pay a little higher rent
+if you would allow me to remain, Squire Collins."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Quite out of the question, Mrs. Manning.
+Indeed, I will say that I think you already pay
+all you can afford to. I doubt whether you will
+be able—with Mark out of employment—to keep
+up your present rent. As I understand, about
+all your income comes from a boarder, whose
+means must be extremely limited, and who, in
+all probability, will end his days in the alms-house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know of any other house in the
+village."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Well, you can think it over; of course that is
+your own affair, not mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If Mark were only at home," said the perplexed
+woman; "I would know better what to
+do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You had better send for him then. Good
+morning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins rose and left the presence of the
+widow whom he had made thoroughly anxious
+and unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>In the course of the afternoon old Anthony
+came home. He was looking unusually jubilant
+and happy, in direct contrast with the widow's
+anxious face.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mrs. Manning," he said, "I bring you good
+news."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am glad of it, sir, for I have only bad news."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And what is your bad news?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I must leave this house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"How is that?" asked the hermit, looking
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Because it has been sold. Squire Collins has
+bought it, and says that he is intending to enlarge
+it, and then let it to Mr. Lake, his foreman."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And that is all your bad news?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes, sir; but I consider it bad enough. I
+don't know where I can go."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will let you have my cabin in the woods
+rent free," said the hermit, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't know but I shall have to go there,"
+said the widow, sighing.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You don't ask me what my good news is,"
+said Anthony.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I would like to hear it, sir."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By day after to-morrow Mark will be home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning's face did brighten up at this
+intelligence.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"This is really good news," she said gladly.
+"Mark will advise me what to do."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Mark will not come alone. Do you think,
+Mrs. Manning, you can accommodate another
+boarder?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Who is it, sir?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"A little boy. I don't care to keep it secret.
+It is my grandson."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Your grandson?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I sent Mark out West to find him. He
+has succeeded in his mission, and the two are now
+on the way home."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I shall be glad to take him, sir, if I have anywhere
+to receive him. Squire Collins's visit has
+rather upset me, and I don't know what to do, or
+where to turn."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If your only trouble is about a house, I will
+undertake to find one for you. Don't borrow any
+trouble on that score."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"But I don't know of any house that will come
+within my means."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am afraid, Mrs. Manning, that you haven't
+confidence in me. I tell you again, not to borrow
+any trouble. I may as well tell you that this
+house will not be large enough for your increased
+family, and that I intended to propose to you to
+take another."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The widow's anxiety was somewhat relieved.
+Still she could not help wondering what house
+old Anthony would succeed in finding. There
+was one comfort. In two days Mark would be at
+home, and would be able to help him.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch36' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVI. <br /> THE HERMIT SECURES A HOUSE.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>A short</span> distance from the house occupied by
+Squire Collins was one which had been for six
+months vacant. It had been erected as a summer
+residence by a New York gentleman, and
+occupied by him for several seasons. It was the
+finest house in the village, and it seemed a pity it
+should remain untenanted.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Beech, the builder, now spent his summers
+at various watering-places, and had apparently
+tired of Pocasset. It was understood that the
+house was left in the hands of Mr. Thompson,
+who was authorized to let it to a responsible
+tenant.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony the next morning made it in his
+way to call at the office of Mr. Thompson. The
+latter received him with his usual courtesy.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear that you are boarding with Mrs. Manning,
+Mr. Taylor," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think you must find it much more agreeable
+than your life in the woods."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I do; I am getting over my misanthropy,
+and am taking more cheerful views of life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That is good. My son Frank is an intimate
+friend of Mark, and thinks a great deal of him
+and his mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So do I," responded the hermit. "Mark is a
+straightforward boy, and will succeed life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hope so. I wish I had anything for him to
+do—Frank would be glad. Perhaps in time I may
+find him a place."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think I shall be able to provide employment
+for Mark myself," said the hermit, quietly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mr. Thompson regarded him with surprise.
+Like the rest of the villagers, he had been in the
+habit of regarding old Anthony as a man of
+limited means.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By-the-way, Mr. Thompson, I called this
+morning on a little matter of business," continued
+the hermit. "I believe you have the rental of
+the Beach house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes," answered Mr. Thompson, somewhat
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am acquainted with a family who are on the
+lookout for a house in Groveton. This, I think,
+would suit them, if the rent is not too high."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It is, you know, a fine house. Would your
+friends like to have it furnished?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"In that case, the rent will be four hundred
+dollars a year, or a hundred dollars a quarter.
+In the city, or at Long Branch, as you probably
+are aware, four times as much would be required."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think that will be satisfactory. Can immediate
+possession be given?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes; I will at once set the cleaners to work,
+and have it got ready by the end of the week.
+One question I am obliged to ask. Is the party
+for whom you are acting, responsible, in a pecuniary
+way?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"The first quarter's rent will be paid in advance."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Pretty satisfactory. May I ask the name of
+the tenant?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There are reasons for keeping it secret for a
+few days."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, well, that is not material."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Old Anthony never said a word about what he
+had done, for, as my readers will conjecture, he
+meant to have Mark and his mother occupy the
+house. It did, however, get noised about, that
+Mr. Beach's house was taken. Squire Collins
+among others, was curious to ascertain something
+about the new tenants, and made a call on Mr.
+Thompson, with the special object of finding
+out.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am no wiser than you, Squire Collins," said
+Mr. Thompson. "Of course we shall all know in
+a few days."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"By whom was the matter negotiated?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"There again I am bound to secrecy, but all
+will be known."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of course the party must have ample means,
+and I look forward to having a pleasant neighbor—there
+are very few in the village with whom
+we can associate, on an equality, and so any good
+family is an acquisition."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You are more fastidious than I, Squire Collins,"
+said Mr. Thompson smiling. "I don't value
+men according to the size of their pocket-books."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must admit, however, that refinement
+and wealth are likely to go together. You are
+not too democratic for that?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I am not sure. I have known many rich
+people who were very far from being refined.
+By-the-way, I hear that you have bought the
+house occupied by Mrs. Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall you allow her to remain there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No; I mean to enlarge it, and let my foreman
+occupy it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"That will be a disappointment to Mrs. Manning."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Oh, I suppose so," said the squire, carelessly;
+"but that is her lookout, not mine."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I really don't know of any house in the village
+she can obtain."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I really haven't troubled my mind about the
+matter," he said.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If I had time, I don't know but I would build
+them a small cottage on the vacant lot I have on
+Glen Street."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Take my advice, and don't; the widow is in
+very precarious circumstances. Her son, Mark,
+is out of employment."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Can't you find him something to do, in your
+shop?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I could, but do not feel disposed to. He is a
+very independent boy, and more than once, he
+treated my son, James, in a disrespectful way.
+No; he must shift for himself some other way."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Of the two boys, I certainly very much prefer
+Mark," thought Mr. Thompson; but politeness
+prevented his saying so.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Squire Collins soon took his leave, having
+failed to acquire the information he sought.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+<div class='chapter'>
+  <h2 id='ch37' class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVII. <br /> CONCLUSION.</h2>
+</div>
+<p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Meanwhile</span>, Mrs. Manning could not help
+feeling anxious, about her prospects of a house.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Have you heard of any house, Mr. Taylor?"
+she asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit smiled.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't be troubled, Mrs. Manning," he said;
+"when you leave this house you will find another
+one to move into."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mrs. Manning was silenced, but still disquieted.
+She was even tempted to wonder whether old
+Anthony was really quite right in his mind. But
+there was nothing to be done. She could only
+wait, patiently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The next day Mark arrived with little Jack.
+He was looking unusually well, his journey having
+given him a healthy color, and added to his
+flesh. Jack was still thin and pale, but was
+beginning to look better than when under Peggy's
+care.</p>
+
+<div  class='figcenter id001'>
+<img src='images/p260.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' />
+<div class='ic002'>
+<p>The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms and kissed him.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'>The hermit was much moved, as he took the
+boy in his arms and kissed him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can see my daughter's looks in you, Jack,"
+he said. "I fear your life has been a sad one,
+poor child. It shall be my task to repay you for
+the hardships you have had to meet in your short
+life."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Little Jack seemed to take instinctively to the
+rough-looking but, kind-hearted old man. The
+poor match boy seemed to have drifted into a
+haven of rest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Shall I ever have to go back to Peggy?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Never, my child. This good lady," indicating
+Mrs. Manning, "will supply the place of your
+own mother."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will sell matches for you, if you want me to,
+grandfather. I didn't like working for Peggy,
+but I will work for you."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My dear Jack, instead of working you must
+go to school, and learn all you can. When you
+are grown up, it will be time for you to work."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It soon became noised about that the little boy,
+who was seen about the village with Mark, was
+the hermit's grandson. But the grandson of
+old Anthony was not considered a very important
+person, and only excited passing interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was let into the secret of the new home
+to which Mr. Taylor proposed to move, and he
+was naturally pleased to think that his mother's
+condition was to be so much improved.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Nothing had leaked out in the village, however,
+about the contemplated removal.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The week was nearly ended when Mark happened
+to meet James Collins in the street.
+James had been informed by his father that Mrs.
+Manning had received notice to leave the cottage,
+and it gratified his dislike of Mark. What puzzled
+him was, Mark's apparent indifference and
+evident good spirits.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Perhaps he thinks my father will relent, and
+let him stay, but he'll find himself mistaken as I
+shall let him know when I get a chance."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The chance came that very day.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" said James, as Mark was about to
+pass him.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Hallo!" responded Mark smiling.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I hear you've got to move."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"So I hear."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"It's high time you were finding a new house."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think so myself, but that's my mother's
+business."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You needn't think my father will let you
+stay where you are."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Don't you think he would let us stay a month
+longer?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"No, I don't."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"He wouldn't put us out in the street, would
+he?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Look here, Mark Manning, I see what you
+are at. You want to impose on my father's good
+nature. I shall warn him of your plan."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Just as you please, James."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>The result was that Squire Collins, sharing to
+some extent his son's apprehensions, made a call
+that same evening at the cottage. All the family
+were at home.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>After the usual greetings were over, the squire
+said:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I suppose, Mrs. Manning, you will be ready
+to move on Saturday?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Suppose my mother can't get a house," suggested
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"She <i>must</i> find a house," said the squire, severely.
+"She has had time enough to find one.
+You mustn't blame me if I say that move you
+must on Saturday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You need have no anxiety, Squire Collins,"
+said Mrs. Manning, with dignity. "I intend to
+move on that day."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And where, may I ask?" inquired the squire,
+with curiosity.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We move into the Beach house," answered
+Mark, his eyes fixed with smiling interest on the
+village magnate.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What!" exclaimed the squire in amazement
+and incredulity. "Do you mean the house near
+mine?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"You must be crazy," he gasped. "That is a
+very elegant house, and the rent is high."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think we can pay it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And your furniture is unfit for so handsome
+a residence, even if there were enough of it."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We hire the house with its present furniture,"
+said Mark complacently.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't understand it at all!" exclaimed the
+perplexed squire. "How can you, being almost
+a beggar, dream of living there?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I think, Squire Collins," said old Anthony,
+quietly, "that you are somewhat in error as to
+my young friend Mark's circumstances."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I mean that he has a very good property
+for a boy of his age."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Mark was as much amazed as the squire at
+this statement. The latter said with a sneer:</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"And where is this famous property?"</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I will inform you with pleasure. There are a
+thousand dollars to his credit in a savings' bank
+in New York, and he holds a mortgage of four
+thousand dollars on your manufactory."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Even Mark thought Anthony was out of his
+mind.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Why," stammered the squire, "I negotiated
+that mortgage through Mr. Hardy, of New York."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Exactly! The money he advanced he held in
+trust for Mark."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I can't believe this!" exclaimed the squire in
+mortification and bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Is this really true, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"Yes. Let me inform you, Squire Collins,
+that though I have lived as a hermit, I am really
+a moderately rich man, and some time since
+transferred without his knowledge five thousand
+dollars to Mark here, who, as you see, is really
+chief owner of the shop from which you discharged
+him."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I didn't dream of this!" ejaculated the
+squire.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I presume not," said the hermit dryly.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"If Mark chooses to come back into the shop, I
+will raise his wages."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"My friend Hardy intends to offer Mark a
+position in his office in the city, which I think
+will suit him better. It only remains to say
+that this cottage will be vacated on Saturday."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"I don't want to inconvenience Mrs. Manning,"
+said the squire, filled with respect by the
+unexpected prosperity of those whom he had
+come to bully. "Stay another week if you wish."</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>"We don't wish, thank you," said Mark.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>It was a wonderful story that Squire Collins
+had to tell at home, and the deep chagrin of
+James can be imagined. But he was worldly
+wise, and he soon decided to court the boy he had
+hitherto despised. What annoyed him most was
+the thought Mark held a mortgage on his
+father's shop, and was to live in a house handsomer
+than his own.</p>
+
+<hr class='c006' />
+
+<p class='c013'>Five years have elapsed since the incidents
+recorded above. Mark fills a responsible position
+in the office of Mr. Hardy, with a handsome salary.
+Little Jack is now a rosy, healthy child of
+thirteen, and those who remembered him as a
+match boy would not know him now. His grandfather's
+happiness is bound up in his little grandson,
+but he is still very much attached to Mark,
+and he has made a new will, in which he divides
+his fortune equally between these two.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>Lyman Taylor is again within the walls of a
+penitentiary, having forged a check upon a well-known
+merchant of Chicago; and old Peggy,
+taking Jack's place, is to be seen any day on
+Clark or State streets, with a basket of matches,
+which she makes an excuse for appealing to the
+charity of passers by. Her face is growing redder
+and redder, as her potations increase, and she
+will probably end her career in a hospital or
+alms-house.</p>
+
+<p class='c013'>James Collins is now a clerk in Newport, on a
+small salary, with which he is very much discontented,
+and from time to time asks a loan of
+his old schoolfellow, Mark, to whom he is now
+compelled to look up. He has developed extravagant
+tastes, and is always in debt. I greatly
+fear that neither his habits nor his fortunes
+will improve as he grows older. For our hero,
+Mark, and those who belong to him, we may anticipate
+brighter days and greater prosperity, as
+a fitting recompense of industry and good habits.</p>
+
+<div class='nf-center-c0'>
+<div class='nf-center c005'>
+    <div>THE END.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+
+<p class='c013'><span class='xlarge'>A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for
+Young People by Popular Writers, 52-58
+Duane Street, New York</span></p>
+<hr class='c020' />
+<p class='c013'><span class='xlarge'>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</span></p>
+<p class='c021'><span class='large'><b>Joe's Luck</b></span>: A Boy's Adventures in California. By
+<span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing situations
+are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and the
+fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co.,
+Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly
+one of his best.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom the Bootblack</b></span>; or, The Road to Success. By
+<span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
+himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.
+Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The
+plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable
+fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Dan the Newsboy.</b> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</span></p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of New
+York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mordaunts.
+The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house
+where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little
+heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities
+that she adopts him as her heir.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tony the Hero</b></span>: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a
+Tramp. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away
+and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a
+large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws
+him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided
+for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony
+is prosperous. A very entertaining book.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Errand Boy</b></span>; or, How Phil Brent Won Success.
+By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a
+smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper
+named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's
+subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the
+situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom Temple's Career.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village
+to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission
+to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that
+the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have been
+reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+situation as a cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter
+helps the lad to gain success and fortune.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom Thatcher's Fortune.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts overland
+for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is told
+in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so many
+homes.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Train Boy.</b></span> By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother
+and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and
+is well started on the road to business prominence.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Mark Mason's Victory.</b></span> The Trials and Triumphs of
+a Telegraph Boy. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many difficulties.
+This story will please the very large class of boys who regard
+Mr. Alger as a favorite author.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Debt of Honor.</b></span> The Story of Gerald Lane's Success
+in the Far West. By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and disappointments
+which he passed through before he attained success, will
+interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful
+author.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Ben Bruce.</b></span> Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy.
+By <span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are
+most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's
+most fascinating style.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Castaways</b></span>; or, On the Florida Reefs. By <span class='sc'>James
+Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea
+Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off
+the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind
+through her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to
+the leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and
+Jake the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young
+people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Wrecked on Spider Island</b></span>; or, How Ned Rogers Found
+the Treasure. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn
+a livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers
+a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount
+of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the
+voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most
+captious boy could desire.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Search for the Silver City</b></span>: A Tale of Adventure in
+Yucatan. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam
+yacht Day Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed
+by fire, and then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They
+hear of the wonderful Sliver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians,
+and with the help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the
+golden images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last
+their escape is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so
+full of exciting incidents that the reader is quite carried away with
+the novelty and realism of the narrative.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Runaway Brig</b></span>; or, An Accidental Cruise. By
+<span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering
+sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with
+Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob
+Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document
+which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on
+an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure
+to be fascinated with this entertaining story.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Treasure Finders</b></span>: A Boy's Adventures in
+Nicaragua. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
+indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The
+Treasure Finders."</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Jack, the Hunchback.</b></span> A Story of the Coast of Maine.
+By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. Price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elisabeth,
+on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting.
+From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us
+along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses
+its force.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Washington at Monmouth</b></span>: A Story of Three
+Philadelphia Boys. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
+edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular
+and frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British
+occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life
+skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are
+given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable
+study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are
+all of Mr. Otis' works.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Lafayette at Yorktown</b></span>: A Story of How Two
+Boys Joined the Continental Army. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental
+cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Two lads from Portmouth, N. H. attempt to enlist in the Colonial
+Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excitement
+brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with,
+and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and
+Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain
+in his memory long after that which he has memorized from text
+books has been forgotten.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>At the Siege of Havana.</b></span> Being the Experiences of
+Three Boys Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By <span class='sc'>James
+Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated,
+price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's
+history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the
+assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col.
+Israel Putnam.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas
+Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily,
+in the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded
+on historical facts.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Defense of Fort Henry.</b></span> A Story of Wheeling
+Creek in 1777. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
+edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and
+women who founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of
+Virginia. The recital of what Elisabeth Zane did is in itself as
+heroic a story as can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed
+by Major McCulloch and his gallant comrades, the sufferings of
+the colonists and their sacrifice of blood and life, stir the
+blood of old as well as young readers.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Capture of the Laughing Mary.</b></span> A Story of Three
+New York Boys in 1776. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental
+cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's
+person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They
+do some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an
+American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the
+work. Mr. Otis' books are too well-known to require any particular
+commendation to the young."—Evening Post.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With Warren at Bunker Hill.</b></span> A Story of the Siege of
+Boston. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
+edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after
+the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life
+in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown,
+shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the
+battle of Bunker Hill and closes with the raising of the siege. The
+three heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker,
+incur the enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures
+the boys will like to read."—Detroit Free Press.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>With the Swamp Fox.</b></span> The Story of General Marion's
+Spies. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, Illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the
+Carolinas. General Marlon's arrival to take command of these brave
+men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and
+although the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox
+is ever present in the mind of the reader.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>On the Kentucky Frontier.</b></span> A Story of the Fighting
+Pioneers of the West. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than
+that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers-men.
+Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the
+arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was
+captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which
+is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story teller.
+This is one of the most entertaining books for young people which has
+been published.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Sarah Dillard's Ride.</b></span> A Story of South Carolina in
+1780. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail of
+the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's troops.
+Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story, which is
+told as though coming from a youth who experienced these adventures.
+In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out as an
+incident of the plot."—Boston Journal.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Tory Plot.</b></span> A Story of the Attempt to Kill General
+Washington. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something
+of the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture
+or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen.
+Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives
+in the matter. They do so, and meet with many adventures and hair-breadth
+escapes. The boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable
+the author to put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge
+concerning one phase of the Revolution."—Pittsburgh Times.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Traitor's Escape.</b></span> A Story of the Attempt to Seize
+Benedict Arnold. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter,
+bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early
+settlers In this country. In an historical work dealing with this
+country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this
+one, which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict
+Arnold's escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of
+Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually figured In the arrest
+of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are included as
+characters."—Albany Union.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Cruise with Paul Jones.</b></span> A Story of Naval Warfare
+in 1776. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life
+when he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity
+to strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with
+his descent upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and
+the famous battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale
+is one who was taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this
+particular cruise was begun."—Chicago Inter-Ocean.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Corporal Lige's Recruit.</b></span> A Story of Crown Point and
+Ticonderoga. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story
+of an old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king
+in '58, and who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal
+recruit.' The lad acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in
+the name of God and the continental congress,' infuses much
+martial spirit into the narrative, which will arouse the keenest
+interest as it proceeds. Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Benedict
+Arnold and numerous other famous historical names appear in this
+dramatic tale."—Boston Globe.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Morgan, the Jersey Spy.</b></span> A Story of the Siege of Yorktown
+in 1781. By <span class='sc'>James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"The two lads who are utilised by the author to emphasise the details
+of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived
+on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his
+dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown,
+are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks
+his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a
+squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of
+friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one
+of the most entertaining books of the year."—Inter-Ocean.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Young Scout</b></span>: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant.
+By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven,
+in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's
+last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate
+of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man
+takes many a desperate chance against the enemy and on more than
+one occasion narrowly escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr.
+Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the public.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Adrift in the Wilds</b></span>: The Adventures of Two Ship-wrecked
+Boys. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco.
+Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys
+reach the shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes
+separated from his party and is captured by hostile Indians,
+but is afterwards rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of
+Southern California.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Young Hero</b></span>; or, Fighting to Win. By <span class='sc'>Edward S.
+Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from
+the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple-minded ladies. Fred
+Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and
+have them arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he
+succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The
+story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be
+glad to read this delightful book.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Lost in the Rockies.</b></span> A Story of Adventure in the
+Rocky Mountains. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is plied upon adventure,
+and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures in
+the Rockies and among the Indians.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Jaunt Through Java</b></span>: The Story of a Journey to the
+Sacred Mountain. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of
+two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island
+of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the
+Royal Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be
+met with. It is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Boy Patriot.</b></span> A Story of Jack, the Young Friend
+of Washington. By <span class='sc'>Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated,
+price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid description
+of the battle of Trenton is also found in this story."—Journal of
+Education.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Yankee Lad's Pluck.</b></span> How Bert Larkin Saved his
+Father's Ranch in Porto Rico. By <span class='sc'>Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration,
+and is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst
+the story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This
+will, we think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season."—Gazette.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>A Brave Defense.</b></span> A Story of the Massacre at Fort
+Griswold in 1781. By <span class='sc'>William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during
+the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn.,
+in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls,
+either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on
+the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey
+Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave comrades,
+through their thrilling adventures will be learning something more
+than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity, of bravery,
+of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable in the arena
+of life.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Young Minuteman.</b></span> A Story of the Capture of
+General Prescott in 1777. By <span class='sc'>William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British
+occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William
+Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one, dealing
+only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling adventure,
+and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will find not
+only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his own patriotism
+and love of country are deepened.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>For the Temple</b></span>: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By <span class='sc'>G. A.
+Henty</span>. With illustrations by <span class='sc'>S. J. Solomon</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance
+to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of
+the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."—Graphic.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Roy Gilbert's Search</b></span>: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By
+<span class='sc'>Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges
+with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam
+launch. The three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes.
+Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking
+yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The
+hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed
+with interest.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Slate Picker</b></span>: The Story of a Boy's Life in the
+Coal Mines. By <span class='sc'>Harry Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania.
+Ben Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy
+he advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a
+book of extreme interest to every boy reader.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>The Boy Cruisers</b></span>; or, Paddling in Florida. By St.
+<span class='sc'>George Rathborne</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the
+Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure
+is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into
+a gale in the Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators
+and Andrew gets into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians.
+Mr. Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys, and lads who are
+in search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Captured by Zulus</b></span>: A Story of Trapping in Africa.
+By <span class='sc'>Harry Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The
+lads escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night.
+They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice
+tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native
+stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Tom the Ready</b></span>; or, Up from the Lowest. By <span class='sc'>Randolph
+Hill</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, ambitious
+boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and the
+governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a purpose,
+and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'><span class='large'><b>Captain Kidd's Gold</b></span>: The True Story of an Adventurous
+Sailor Boy. By <span class='sc'>James Franklin Fitts</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p class='c022'>There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea
+of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese
+and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There
+were many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd.
+Paul Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable
+treasure buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this hook is an
+ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his
+efforts to reach the Island and secure the money form one of the most
+absorbing tales for our youth that has come from the press.</p>
+<hr class='c020' />
+<p class='c022'>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, <b>A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York</b>.</p>
+
+<div class='pbb'>
+ <hr class='pb c000' />
+</div>
+ <ul class='ul_1 c005'>
+    <li>Transcriber's Notes:
+      <ul  class='ul_2'>
+        <li>Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected.
+        </li>
+        <li>Unbalanced quotation marks were silently corrected.
+        </li>
+        <li>Typographical errors were silently corrected.
+        </li>
+        <li>Spelling and hyphenation was made consistent when a predominant  form was found in
+        this book; otherwise it was not changed.
+        </li>
+      </ul>
+    </li>
+  </ul>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK MANNING’S MISSION ***</div>
+<div style='text-align:left'>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Updated editions will replace the previous one&#8212;the old editions will
+be renamed.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
+law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
+so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
+States without permission and without paying copyright
+royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
+of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG&#8482;
+concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
+and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following
+the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use
+of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for
+copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very
+easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation
+of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project
+Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may
+do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected
+by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark
+license, especially commercial redistribution.
+</div>
+
+<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br />
+<span style='font-size:smaller'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br />
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span>
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+To protect the Project Gutenberg&#8482; mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase &#8220;Project
+Gutenberg&#8221;), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
+Project Gutenberg&#8482; License available with this file or online at
+www.gutenberg.org/license.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'>
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
+destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works in your
+possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
+Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
+by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person
+or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.B. &#8220;Project Gutenberg&#8221; is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works if you follow the terms of this
+agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (&#8220;the
+Foundation&#8221; or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
+of Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works. Nearly all the individual
+works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
+States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
+United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
+claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
+displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
+all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
+that you will support the Project Gutenberg&#8482; mission of promoting
+free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
+Project Gutenberg&#8482; name associated with the work. You can easily
+comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
+same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg&#8482; License when
+you share it without charge with others.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
+in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
+check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
+agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
+distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
+other Project Gutenberg&#8482; work. The Foundation makes no
+representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
+country other than the United States.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg&#8482; License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg&#8482; work (any work
+on which the phrase &#8220;Project Gutenberg&#8221; appears, or with which the
+phrase &#8220;Project Gutenberg&#8221; is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+</div>
+
+<blockquote>
+  <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+    other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+    whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+    of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+    at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
+    are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws
+    of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
+  </div>
+</blockquote>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic work is
+derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
+contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
+copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
+the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
+redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase &#8220;Project
+Gutenberg&#8221; associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
+either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
+obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
+additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg&#8482; License for all works
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
+beginning of this work.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg&#8482;.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; License.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
+any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
+to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg&#8482; work in a format
+other than &#8220;Plain Vanilla ASCII&#8221; or other format used in the official
+version posted on the official Project Gutenberg&#8482; website
+(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
+to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
+of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original &#8220;Plain
+Vanilla ASCII&#8221; or other form. Any alternate format must include the
+full Project Gutenberg&#8482; License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg&#8482; works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works
+provided that:
+</div>
+
+<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'>
+    <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'>
+        &#8226; You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+        the use of Project Gutenberg&#8482; works calculated using the method
+        you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+        to the owner of the Project Gutenberg&#8482; trademark, but he has
+        agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+        within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+        legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+        payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+        Section 4, &#8220;Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+        Literary Archive Foundation.&#8221;
+    </div>
+
+    <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'>
+        &#8226; You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+        you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+        does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+        License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+        copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+        all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+        works.
+    </div>
+
+    <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'>
+        &#8226; You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+        any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+        electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+        receipt of the work.
+    </div>
+
+    <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'>
+        &#8226; You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+        distribution of Project Gutenberg&#8482; works.
+    </div>
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of
+the Project Gutenberg&#8482; trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
+forth in Section 3 below.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.F.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
+contain &#8220;Defects,&#8221; such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
+or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
+other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
+cannot be read by your equipment.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the &#8220;Right
+of Replacement or Refund&#8221; described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
+with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
+with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
+lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
+or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
+opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
+the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
+without further opportunities to fix the problem.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you &#8216;AS-IS&#8217;, WITH NO
+OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
+damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
+violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
+agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
+limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
+unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
+remaining provisions.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works in
+accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
+production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
+including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
+the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
+or any Project Gutenberg&#8482; work, (b) alteration, modification, or
+additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg&#8482; work, and (c) any
+Defect you cause.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'>
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg&#8482;
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Project Gutenberg&#8482; is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
+computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
+exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
+from people in all walks of life.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg&#8482;&#8217;s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg&#8482; collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg&#8482; and future
+generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
+Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'>
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation&#8217;s EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
+U.S. federal laws and your state&#8217;s laws.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+The Foundation&#8217;s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West,
+Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up
+to date contact information can be found at the Foundation&#8217;s website
+and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'>
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Project Gutenberg&#8482; depends upon and cannot survive without widespread
+public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
+donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'>
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg&#8482; electronic works
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
+Gutenberg&#8482; concept of a library of electronic works that could be
+freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
+distributed Project Gutenberg&#8482; eBooks with only a loose network of
+volunteer support.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Project Gutenberg&#8482; eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
+the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
+necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
+edition.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+Most people start at our website which has the main PG search
+facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>.
+</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+This website includes information about Project Gutenberg&#8482;,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+</div>
+
+</div>
+
+  </body>
+
+</html>
diff --git a/old/55000-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/55000-h/images/cover.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bef8e47
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/images/cover.jpg
diff --git a/old/55000-h/images/frontis.jpg b/old/55000-h/images/frontis.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c620fa4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/images/frontis.jpg
diff --git a/old/55000-h/images/p022.jpg b/old/55000-h/images/p022.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bdec680
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/images/p022.jpg
diff --git a/old/55000-h/images/p042.jpg b/old/55000-h/images/p042.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5811136
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/images/p042.jpg
diff --git a/old/55000-h/images/p220.jpg b/old/55000-h/images/p220.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c48762
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/images/p220.jpg
diff --git a/old/55000-h/images/p260.jpg b/old/55000-h/images/p260.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ed459a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/images/p260.jpg
diff --git a/old/55000-h/images/publogo.jpg b/old/55000-h/images/publogo.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..01cac91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/55000-h/images/publogo.jpg